Dardha scores first goal of season for Clippers as they tie with New Haven

The Clippers Men's Soccer team opened their 2010 campaign at the University of New Haven.  With new recruits and a solid foundation of returners the Clippers hit the pitch. 

The New Haven Chargers kicked off the game with immediately going on the offensive with a couple of shots in the first few minutes.  With the goal keeping and defensive movement of the Clippers none of the Chargers shots went through. 

Seventeen minutes into the game the Clippers took on the offensive side of the game.  With shots coming from several Clippers, New Haven was getting bombarded at the net.  As the Clippers continued to attack a rebounded ball was found by Xhovano Dardha. At 28:24 into the game Dardha put the ball off of the rebound into the net for the Clippers first goal of the season and gave them the 1-0 lead. 

Both teams continued to fight for offensive possession of the ball throughout the rest of the first half.  With less than a minute to go in the half the Chargers headed a ball off of a corner kick to tie the game up. 

The second half saw the Clippers in defensive mode for most of the time as the Chargers continued their offensive attacks.  With time always moving on the clock, the Clippers pushed themselves  to get the ball up the pitch and attack.  The Clippers were able to get three shots but none capitalized for them.  With the Chargers still pushing their own offensive trike, the Clippers were able to hold them off.  With the game still tied at the end of regulation the game headed into overtime.

The first overtime period went by like a blur as only one shot was taken.  With still no change in the score a second overtime period was called for.

The Clippers still playing on the defensive end of the field continued to be strong and were able to get through the period unscathed.  With overtime done the game ended in a tie at 1-1. 

The Clippers will head to face the College of St. Rose this Saturday at 6:00pm.