The Emory University men's soccer team moved one step closer to clinching its second consecutive University Athletic Association championship Sunday afternoon, defeating New York University, 1-0, at Lubetkin Field at J. Malcolm Simon Stadium on the campus of NJIT in Newark, New Jersey.
The Eagles secured their second 1-0 victory of the weekend to move to 4-1 in the UAA. With 12 points, Emory (7-6-1 overall) can clinch the league's automatic berth to the NCAA tournament with a win over Chicago next Saturday, Nov. 2, in Atlanta. Following the defeat, the Violets fell to 1-3-1 in conference and 6-4-3 overall.
Emory's offense was clicking in the first half as it generated six total shots including all five of the Eagles' shots on goal in the contest. Sophomore Julian Hee provided the lone score on the afternoon as he scored his first career goal in the 30th minute. Junior Josh Grand cut to the end line before dishing a centering pass to the top corner of the six where he found Hee who slotted home the offering with a left-footed boot.
After moving in front, the Emory defense stepped up over the remainder of regulation as the Eagles recorded their fourth shutout and third clean sheet in UAA play.
Sophomore Sharan Dodwani made his second straight start and was flawless between the posts. Dodwani made a season-high seven saves – the most by an Emory keeper this season. Five of his seven stops came in the second half when NYU increased its intensity.
The biggest moment of the game came with 2:10 left to play in the second half when a tackle inside the box earned a penalty kick opportunity for the Violets. NYU's Bryce Lexow stepped to the spot and went left. Dodwani guessed correctly and made the diving save to preserve the 1-0 win.
The Eagles will host the Maroons at the Woodruff PE Center next Saturday in a 1:30 PM kickoff with the UAA AQ up for grabs. Chicago enters the match tied for second in the UAA standings at 2-0-3 in conference games and stand 7-6-3 overall.
