MADISON, N.J. (Sep. 1, 2016) — Thanks to a strong defensive outing from wire to wire and capitalizations on two good chances, the Drew University men's soccer team won the Battle of Madison Avenue versus FDU-Florham, 2-0, on Opening Night under the lights of Ranger Stadium.
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Turning Point: After a promising first half, the Rangers broke out of the break with energy. After a perfect through ball played by senior midfielder and captain
Dylan Hammer, senior midfielder
Joe Sollod got a foot on it to redirect back toward center. Waiting for the carom was senior forward
Sebastien Etta-Ashu who whipped a strike on net for Drew's first goal of the year and the 10
th of Etta-Ashu's career.
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Top Performers: With an assist on the night's first goal, Sollod has hit 10 assists on his career. He led the team in assists last season with five.
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The tenacity of freshman forward
Andy Imoh impressed the crowd. Imoh charged every long pass and pestered the opposing goalie at every chance. Imoh showed off speed, pitch awareness and a soft touch in his debut. Shortly after tapping a floater over the goalie's head that was turned away by the crossbar, Imoh won a footrace that resulted in Drew's second goal. Imoh, after giving his man a 10-foot head start zipped past him, won the ball, and scooted a pass to senior midfielder
Cole Leckburg who finished the try with five minutes to go in the contest.
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Senior goaltender
John Marques made a couple strenuous saves to turn in a clean sheet.
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Other Highlights: The Rangers tested the Devils net minder for the first good time with seconds ticking down in the first half. They flicked on a header that forced the goalie to dive to keep the score at zero.
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Stat Sheet: The Rangers outshot their opponent 15-9, with Hammer taking three, Etta-Ashu with three, and Imoh with two.
Quotable:Â
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Up Next: Next on the docket is the 33rd annual Fall Festival Tournament, where the host Rangers open up action against Hood College on Saturday, September 3rd at 6:00 p.m.