Matthiasson's Second-Half Strike Lifts Duquesne Past Syracuse 1-0
Icelandic midfielder breaks 74th-minute deadlock as Dukes triumph in defensive battle at SU Soccer Stadium
SYRACUSE, NY – Hakon Dagur Matthiasson hammered home the decisive blow in the 74th minute, lifting Duquesne to a 1-0 victory over Syracuse at SU Soccer Stadium on Friday evening. The Icelandic midfielder's clinical left-footed finish broke a stubborn deadlock in what proved to be a tactically disciplined encounter between two well-organized sides.
The opening 45 minutes unfolded as a chess match between defensive units, with both teams prioritizing structure over attacking flair. Syracuse enjoyed slightly more possession and territorial advantage, registering seven shots on goal compared to Duquesne's five, but Diego Chavez stood tall between the posts for the visitors, making a series of crucial interventions.
The Orange created their clearest opportunities through set pieces, with Ernest Mensah Jr. testing Chavez twice from promising positions. The Syracuse midfielder's 53rd-minute free kick forced a diving save from the Duquesne goalkeeper, who flew across his line to turn away the dangerous effort. Michael Acquah also threatened late in the half, curling a low shot that required another sharp stop from Chavez.
Duquesne's tactical approach centered on compact defending and quick transitions, though they struggled to create sustained pressure in the opening period. Grant McIntosh came closest for the visitors with a well-struck effort that sailed just wide of the target, while the Dukes relied heavily on set pieces to generate scoring chances.
The second half maintained the same cagey pattern until Matthiasson's intervention changed the complexion entirely. The midfielder collected possession on the left side of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful left-footed drive that found the bottom corner, leaving Syracuse goalkeeper Tomas Hut with no chance.
Syracuse responded with urgency, introducing fresh legs through a series of substitutions. Carlos Zambrano and Sachiel Ming entered the fray as the Orange pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer. The home side's best response came through Quentin Christey, whose right-footed effort in the 80th minute drew another excellent save from Chavez, who continued his inspired performance throughout.
The final quarter saw Syracuse dominate possession and territory, launching wave after wave of attacks toward the Duquesne goal. Corner kicks became their primary weapon, with the Orange earning five set pieces compared to Duquesne's three, but the visitors' defensive organization held firm under sustained pressure.
Duquesne's tactical discipline proved crucial in preserving their advantage. The Dukes absorbed pressure intelligently, using strategic substitutions to maintain their defensive shape while looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Grant McIntosh received a yellow card for unsporting behavior as tensions rose, but the visitors never lost their composure.
Chavez's goalkeeping performance ultimately proved the difference, as the Duquesne shot-stopper made nine saves to preserve the clean sheet. His distribution and command of the penalty area provided the foundation for the victory, while Syracuse's Hut made four stops at the other end.
The statistical battle reflected the tactical nature of the encounter, with Syracuse edging the shot count 15-12 and corner kicks 5-3, but Duquesne's clinical finishing and defensive resilience proved decisive. The victory showcased the Dukes' ability to execute a disciplined game plan away from home, while Syracuse will rue their inability to convert territorial dominance into goals.
Key Players
- Hakon Dagur Matthiasson (Duquesne) - Rifled home the match-winner with a powerful left-footed strike in the 74th minute, providing the clinical finish that separated the sides - Diego Chavez (Duquesne) - Made nine crucial saves including several spectacular stops, preserving the clean sheet with an inspired goalkeeping display - Michael Acquah (Syracuse) - Created multiple dangerous chances after entering as a substitute, testing Chavez with well-placed efforts that nearly found the equalizer