DOYLESTOWN (PA) – The Delaware Valley University men's soccer team battled the elements, but suffered a 2-1 defeat to visiting Clarks Summit University on a late goal in the 87^th minute.
 
The Aggies fell to 1-1 on the young season as rookie head coach Chris Zirpoli took his first loss and the Defenders improved to 3-0.
 
The start of the contest was delayed one hour, 26 minutes due to lightning and a power outage at the stadium. The teams took to the field just before 8:30 p.m. under a steady rain and play was even throughout the first half as the teams combined for 11 shots (three on goal). Clarks Summit earned three corners in the stanza but could not convert.
 
The Defenders broke the scoreless tie early in the second half when Jan Rodriguez laced a shot inside the far post from the right corner of the 18-yard box to make it 1-0. However, DelVal responded in the 54^th minute thanks to a laser from 27 yards out that found the upper left corner courtesy of Zach Miller to tie the game at one.
 
From there each goalie was tested and responded kindly. Connor Hedgepeth made a series of saves for the Aggies with 30 minutes to play in the game and Clarks Summit's Evan Rarick blocked a header attempt off a corner to keep the score 1-1.
 
With just over three minutes to play, Eric Irizarry drove the ball into the box fighting off defenders and managed to sneak a shot pass Hedgepeth to give the Defenders the 2-1 lead and, ultimately, the win.
 
Clarks Summit had six shots on goal to DelVal's three and held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. Hedgepeth made four saves in net compared to two by Irizarry at the other end.
 
The Aggies will take to the road for their next contest at the Pennsylvania College of Technology on Friday, September 8.