Second half score lifts nationally-ranked Blue Devils over Blue Raiders

DURHAM, N.C. - A single goal proved to be the difference Sunday afternoon as the Middle Tennessee soccer team fell 1-0 at No. 15 Duke in the final game of the Blue Devil-hosted Duke Nike Classic at Koskinen Stadium in Durham, N.C.

Duke (6-1-2) broke through with just over 20 minutes remaining, at 69:48, when Mollie Pathman beat the defense and goalie Rebecca Cushing to the far right post after receiving a pass from Gilda Doria on the left flank.

Neither team was able to mount any scoring during the opening 45 minutes, although the Blue Raiders had three shots. The Blue Devils had numerous opportunities during the period, including a shot off the left post and another grazing the crossbar, but throughout the half Middle Tennessee (3-6) was able to weather any storm from the hosts.

The Blue Raiders would have a pair of scoring chances during the second half, however, neither one found the back of the net. Senior Vanessa Mueggler had the squad's best opportunity in the final stanza, but her shot from 25 yards out was saved by goalie Tara Campbell.

Mueggler and sophomore Whitney Jorgenson paced Middle Tennessee with a pair of shots each, while Pathman tallied six of Duke's 22 attempts. Laura Weinberg added five to the Blue Devil scoring attack.

Campbell was credited with two saves in the shutout, while Cushing finished with eight stops.

The Blue Raiders will return to action at 7 p.m. Friday when they play host to Denver at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium.

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