Graham’s Late Goal Pushes No. 3 Duke Past Syracuse, 1-0, in ACC Opener

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Junior Maggie Graham headed in the game-winner in the 89th minute to send the third-ranked Duke women’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory on the road in the ACC opener over Syracuse at SU Soccer Stadium in Syracuse, N.Y.

A native of Atlanta, Ga., Graham scored for the third straight contest against Syracuse and now owns four of her six goals against the Orange.  It marked her sixth career goal and second game-winner.  The Blue Devils improved to 6-2-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the ACC, while the Orange dropped to 7-2-0, 0-1-0.  

    

How It Happened

•    The first half featured only eight shots combined with the Orange holding a 5-3 advantage.

•    Duke’s Mackenzie Pluck attempted the first shot of the match that was saved and then Syracuse went on to take the next five attempts.  

•    At the 31:01 mark the Blue Devils featured their best scoring chance of the first half.  Duke’s Delaney Graham made a great run down the right side of the pitch, while fighting off an Orange defender.  She crossed a ball across the box where Michelle Cooper acted like she was going to kick it, but let it go to Grace Watkins.  Watkins attempted a shot, but a Syracuse defender was able to block it.

•    In the second half, Duke controlled possession and outshot Syracuse, 11-1

•    Michelle Cooper was able to get more involved in the second half and featured six shots, including one off the crossbar with 18 minutes…