DELHI, N.Y. (September 21, 2019) – Two penalty-kick goals with a Denzel Monexant first-half score in between spelled a NAC victory for SUNY Delhi men's soccer team Saturday in the form of a 3-0 shutout over Maine Maritime. Juan Velez and Brody Rettle each accounted for the scores from the 12-yard mark to give the Broncos their fourth straight win, improving to 4-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
MMA finished ahead in shots, 25-19, but Delhi held a 13-10 lead in shots on goal. The Broncos defense stepped up to preserve the shutout, as goalkeeper Corey O'Toole earned his second shutout of the year with nine saves, as well as defender Devonte Dawson logging a defensive save.
A foul inside the box opened the door for Velez's second penalty kick attempt of the season, allowing him his second PK score and fourth goal of the year for the 1-0 lead at 20:11. The Broncos struck again moments later when Denzel Monexant cleanly headed in a cross from the left side by John Cabrera to put a two on the board for Delhi at 27:20. Rettle received his 12-yard opportunity at 74:26, giving the men some insurance with little time remaining. The Mariners even had their own penalty-kick attempt at 83:04, but Matt Caron's shot went high.
Rettle and Velez both bumped their scoring numbers to four goals on the season, with Rettle leading the team with nine points. Monexant's score marked his second of the season. O'Toole improved to 4-3 on the year, and now boasts a 1.76 goals allowed average and a .756 save percentage.
The Broncos have now four straight after opening the season with three tough losses on the road. They have since rebounded after defeating Albany College of Pharmacy, Bard, NAC-foe Northern Vermont Johnson prior to Saturday. The win now leaves SUNY Delhi and Thomas as the NAC's two remaining unbeaten teams at 2-0 in the conference. The two teams will meet late in the season at Thomas on Oct. 19.
Saturday also marked the beginning of a four-match home stand for head coach Brian Mitko's team, as their next test will be Elmira on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. They then will host NAC-opponent SUNY Canton on Saturday, Sept. 28, followed by Nazareth on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
