Playing St. Louis University on its home turf was not a true homecoming for junior Chris Loftus but he made friends, family and former Blue Devil players in attendance proud when Duke beat the Billikens, 3-1, Sept. 3. Loftus, a native of nearby Springfield, Ill., netted a goal in the very first minute and assisted on another score.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better place to play this game,” Loftus said. “This was definitely our best game this season.”
No. 25 St. Louis, which boasts a 59-10 record at Robert R. Hermann Stadium since 1999—looked to challenge the Blue Devils early but third-ranked Duke came out aggressively. Starting two freshman for the second game this season, the Blue Devils were on the board early after junior Danny Miller’s pass to freshman Mike Grella was forwarded on to Loftus who found the back of the net.
Later in the first half, Loftus fired a shot at Billiken keeper Jeff Sackman but was turned away. Forward Spencer Wadsworth put in the rebound to put the Blue Devils up 2-0.
The first half was marked with a strong showing by Duke’s offense and defense. Kyle Helton returned from an injury and logged his first action this season for the Blue Devil defense, which held St. Louis (1-1) to only two shots in the first 45 minutes.
“We played really about as well as you can play in the first half,” Rennie said. “The whole team played well. Everyone who played contributed positively.”
The Billikens put more pressure on the Blue Devils in the second half. St. Louis challenged Duke with 7 shots in the last 45 minutes as the Blue Devil defense slowed down.
“We got tired in the second half,” Rennie said. “We’re still a very young team so the second half was an even game.”
In the 58th minute, St. Louis defenseman Danny Wynn’s shot bounced off a Duke defender and slipped past Blue Devil goalie Justin Papadakis.
“The goal was deflected. He didn’t have a chance,” Rennie said.
Papadakis ended the game with two saves on three shots on goal. St. Louis only had nine total shots to the Blue Devils’ 15.
“We have been focusing on team defense,” Loftus said. “The backs are pressing as a team, and we pressured from the start.”
Grella, who added Duke’s final goal, is currently tied with Loftus for the team lead in points with five. Both Grella and fellow freshman Graham Dugoni have started two games for Duke this season.
“They are recruited to contribute right away and they definitely have,” Loftus said of the freshmen. “It is tough coming in as a freshman and playing big games, but they are doing a tremendous job.”
Still missing from the starting roster were sophomores Paul Dudley and Tomek Charowski. Both players are nursing injuries suffered this summer and there is no timetable for either player’s return.
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