Bronx, N.Y. – A second-half penalty kick from forward
Ashraf Abubakar proved to be the game-winner as the Lehman College men's soccer team shut out visiting SUNY Delhi, 1-0, in a non-conference match at South Field on Wednesday evening. With the victory, the Lightning improved to 4-3-4 overall, while the Broncos drop to 9-4.
Following a scoreless first half, both sides pressed for the opening tally. However, resilient defensive units on both ends consistently disrupted plays, forcing most attempts off target. While Delhi held a slight 9-7 advantage in overall shots, Lehman proved more precise, execution-wise, holding a 3-1 edge in shots on goal.
The definitive breakthrough came with just 13 minutes remaining in regulation. Broncos' defender Shervens Dufleurant fouled Lightning forward
Munem Alhassan inside the 18-yard box, prompting referee Safat Mulamekic to point to the penalty spot. Abubakar stepped up and confidently fired the ball past Delhi goalkeeper Salvator Meloni for his fourth goal of the season, extending Lehman's impressive unbeaten streak to six games.
Defensively, the Lightning stood tall. Despite facing nine total shots from the visitors, the Lehman backline limited danger as goalkeeper
Matthew Strainz only needed to make one save to secure his third clean sheet of the campaign.
The Lightning will put their unbeaten streak on the line this weekend when they travel to face York College (N.Y.) in a crucial CUNYAC match-up on Saturday, October 17, at 2 pm ET.
