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Wadsworth nets decisive goal in Duke's 2-1 win over Harvard.

Spencer Wadsworth gave Duke the lead for good in the 53rd minute. -- Duke University web site photo --

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Saturday, September 16, 2006) -- Junior striker Spencer Wadsworth scored the winning goal early in the second half, lifting fourth-ranked Duke to a 2-1 decision over host Harvard in a non-conference match before 1,106 tonight at Ohiri Field.

In the 53rd minute, senior defender Ryan Pascioni sent a long ball from midfield that went over the defense. Wadsworth was the recipient, beating goalkeeper junior goalkeeper Adam Hahn to the ball before lofting a floater into the net.

"Harvard came out on an emotional high and played a physical hard game," Duke associate head coach Mike Jeffries said. "We matched that and it felt like we were taking control of the game towards the end of the first half. It was a hard fought road win against a team that has been playing very well."

Duke (5-0-1) went ahead 1-0 in the 24th minute when Wadsworth found sophomore Mike Grella, who beat Hahn to the ball, carried around him and placed an uncontested shot into the corner of the net.

Duke "did well with its chances today," said Harvard coach John Kerr, whose team had won four straight games entering this contest. "We had a number of chances and just didn’t capitalize like we usually do, but I am proud of the team’s effort and determination against good competition."

In the 43rd minute, Harvard (4-2) pulled even at 1-1. Sophomore midfielder Michael Fucito took a pass from the midfield, went up the left side of the field before passing into the penalty area. Freshman forward Andre Akpan controlled the pass and blasted a shot that was stopped, but not controlled by Duke sophomore keeper Brendan Fitzgerald. Akpan fired the rebound home.

Harvard outshot the Blue Devils 14-12, but only managed four shots on goal. Duke tested Hahn by putting eight of its 12 shots on goal. Fitzgerald came up with three saves to five for Hahn.

"It was a level match with two capable and intense teams battling," Kerr said. "It was almost like a boxing match in that one team would be on the attack and the other would counter. This was a good test for us and the kids responded well."

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