Before Friday’s game, Duke head coach John Kerr walked onto the field to address the crowd at Koskinen Stadium, where the stands were packed with members of the Class of 2019.
“I have a feeling this is going to be a season to remember,” Kerr said before putting down the microphone.
The Blue Devils gave fans a memorable night of soccer Friday, battling No. 17 UNC Charlotte to a 1-1 draw in Duke's final tune-up of the preseason. Both offenses were unable to find a rhythm early and the match played out as a defensive struggle. After 74 scoreless minutes, Duke found the back of the net on a header by junior Brody Huitema, but the 49ers responded with a score of their own off a free kick just four minutes later.
With the final seconds counting down, the Blue Devils mounted a final attack from their own 18-yard box but the final touch sent the ball wide right of the UNC Charlotte goal.
“There’s a good feeling amongst the group,” Kerr said. “[The team has] great spirit and we have a chip on our shoulders. We haven’t done well the past two years and we feel that we have enough talent and the mentality to take it to the next level. Everyone feels that way on this team and we’re excited about our challenges ahead.”
Although Kerr's squad did not score in the first half, Duke still showed signs of offensive promise. The Blue Devils moved the ball down the field with ease, generating scoring chances and earning three corner kicks to the 49ers' one.
Freshman Oliver Spring made a splash on the defensive end of the ball early, jumping in front of a shot to make a dramatic block and keep UNC Charlotte off the scoreboard. Duke caught a break in the 22nd minute when a 49ers forward sent a clear shot at the net wide right.
The match more closely resembled a heated conference rivalry game than the exhibition match-up that it was. Both teams brought their own brand of physicality to the field and refused to be pushed around. With both teams dialing up the intensity on another hot, humid North Carolina evening, it did not take long for tempers to boil over.
Barely 10 minutes into the first half, a group of Charlotte players took issue with a foul committed by Blue Devil defender Cody Brinkman. A shoving match ensued that needed three referees to intervene before things went any further, a sequence that set the tone for the rest of the match.
“Before the game, we knew that these guys were a bit chippy as a team,” Huitema said. “We knew it was going to be physical and we have a good group of guys out there that are willing to battle. We’re not going to back down from any team. If they want to kick and scratch, we’re going to give it right back to them.”
The ball finally found the back of the net in the second half, as fatigue and the relentless pressure of both teams’ offenses left holes in otherwise stalwart defensive lines.
After parrying a series of 49ers’ opportunities to open the second half, Duke got its chance on a corner kick. Sophomore midfielder Bryson Asher lofted the ball on a direct path to the forehead of Huitema, who benefitted from the missteps of several defenders. The ball passed UNC Charlotte goalkeeper Austin Pack and Duke grabbed the lead with less than 16 minutes remaining.
“I actually had a front post run that I was initially making, but I saw the ball in the air and saw that it was going to travel a bit further than where my run was so I just stopped,” Huitema said. “Luckily the people in front of me fell over a bit or missed it and I was able to simply put my head on it.”
The stands—still holding a freshman audience—erupted with cheers. All of the momentum was with the Blue Devils.
And it would stay that way—for a grand total of less than four minutes.
The 49ers notched their own goal with the aid of a sloppy Blue Devil sequence. A foul gave the 49ers a free kick, which found its way to UNC Charlotte freshman Maclean Holbrook, who snuck a header past reserve goalkeeper Mitch Kupstas. Duke had its chances to reclaim the lead but could not convert.
“Every coach at this point at the season wants perfection, but it’s hard,” Kerr said. “There’s still a lot of learning to do and a lot of processes you have to go through fitness-wise…. Two games in and we’ve given up only two sloppy goals, but that’s easily fixable. So overall I’m pleased, but there’s a lot of sorting out to do.”
With the team’s Aug. 28 season opener drawing closer, Kerr is looking to his team’s depth and experience to help his younger players rise to the occasion. Of Duke's six newcomers this season, three are graduate transfers who will help provide stability.
“You can see the maturity [on the team],” Kerr said. “Some of them look like they’re seniors out there. I’m so pleased with their progress. It’s a young team still. We have a lot of balance. If we can get Tyler [Hilliard] and Carter [Manley] back on the field, we will really look good."
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