Delaware Blue Hens
Overall Rank: #35
#1 CAA
Delaware Team Page
Delaware’s high scoring offense could not quite get it done in the postseason. The Blue Hens fell in penalties to Drexel during the CAA Tournament and lost 2-1 to St. John’s in the NCAAs. But this was still a 14 win year for Delaware and Coach Ian Hennessy has more than enough talent returning to make a better tournament run in 2014.
2013 Record: 14-5-1, 4-3-0
2013 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Ian Hennessy
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Guillermo Delgado, Sophomore, M, 15
Assists: Roberto Gimenez, Senior, F, 6; Jamie Martinez, Sophomore, M, 6
Shots: Guillermo Delgado, Sophomore, M, 87
Saves: Borja Barbero, Senior, GK, 70
Other Key Returnees: M Joe Dipre, M Kyle Nuel, M Ben Sampson, M Nick DiRienzo, D Tobias Muller, D Ignacio Martin
Key Losses: D Mark Garrity, D Prince Nartey, M Vincent Mediate
Strengths:
The Blue Hens return their top four goal scorers from last year. Of course leading the way is Guillermo Delgado. The College Sports Madness Freshman of the Year netted 15 goals and added five assists. Delgado’s scoring consistency was absolutely amazing. He scored at least one goal in 12 of the team’s 20 games. As the 2013 season went on, Delgado garnered more and more attention from the opposing defenses, but it did not seem to help much. Joe Dipre, Roberto Gimenez and Jaime Martinez all scored five goals each in 2013. Martinez is another sophomore midfielder who looks to build on his freshman success. He and Gimenez were tied as team leaders with six assists. Gimenez is the forward of the bunch, but is certainly capable of setting up his teammates as well. Last year Delaware was shut out just once. With those four returning, Delaware may never see a zero on the scoreboard.
Weaknesses:
With great offense usually comes shaky defense. Keeper Borja Barbero has done an amazing job considering how many shots are usually fired his way. He allowed just 25 goals in 19 games and earned plenty of accolades for his efforts. Barbero should be in for a good senior season, but he will need the players in front of him to step up now that Mark Garrity and Prince Nartey are gone.
Final Projection:
This will be an interesting year in the CAA now that Elon is in the conference. The Blue Hens are not going to be able to run away from them. That should create a two team race for the title, but even if Delaware finds themselves behind Elon, they could still be good enough to earn an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Tournament
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 2.25 (2nd in nation, 1st in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 1.18 (86, 3)
Shutout Percentage: 0.30 (82, 3)
Save Percentage: 0.75 (111, 5)
Madness 2015 MLS Draft Rankings:
#31 Guillermo Delgado
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