Delhi - The Broncos (5-2-1, 1-0-1) traveled to Bangor, Maine to face off against conference opponent Husson (3-2-2, 2-0-1) for the first leg of the away trip. It was a windy day on the pitch as neither team was able to build enough momentum to pull away, ending with 1-1 tie.
"Today was a really patient and emotionally invested result for us. We had to withstand the early pressure from Husson and the whipping winds to get ourselves to earn some positive momentum heading in the second half. Freshman midfielder Eric Manta really stood out today and delivered a performance we have all been waiting for," said head coach E.J. Reutemann, "I thought some of these individual efforts had a direct correlation to the result in the end."
Husson would strike first in the 20th minute off of a rebound after a tremendous effort from Delhi keeper Tucker Garrett to keep out the first shot. The wind continued to play a big factor as both teams put up only three combined shots on goal in the first half.
The Broncos continued to fight from behind in the second half until a Husson foul set up Eric Kleczkowski on the free kick. Kleczkowski would fire it into the box and after it bounced off an Eagle, Justin Huallanca would head it into the side netting in the 81st minute.
The Eagles would have a few more opportunities but would be halted by Delhi's defense led by Vaughn Bottex. The back line has played a big role in the Bronco's success this year, holding opponents to just 1.5 goals allowed per game. Delhi had one more late push of their own off a corner, but the shot attempt would hit the post and eventually bounce out before time expired.
"When being on such a long road trip it is often very difficult to stay focused in the buildup to the game," coach Reutemann, "I thought our older leaders did a really good job of keeping our mentality directed towards what we were trying to do. Now we will have to put together another team invested performance in less than twenty-four hours."
The Broncos will end their weekend trip to Maine tomorrow as they face conference opponent UMPI at 12pm.
