A killer instinct—one of the key components to a successful team—was lacking in Duke last Friday in an agonizing overtime defeat to Clemson.
This has been an issue for the No. 24 Blue Devils (6-4-4) all season, and it has been exemplified by Duke’s six overtime appearances. One would think fatigue from this extra action might also negatively influence the Blue Devils—a thought that head coach John Kerr denies, instead saying the team needs a “spark.”
Duke will look to regain that killer instinct and avoid the perils of fatigue tonight against Southern Conference opponent Furman (7-4-4) at Koskinen Stadium. Although the Blue Devils have fallen to sixth in the ACC, they remain confident moving forward due to their challenging slate.
“We have one of the more difficult schedules in the country,” Kerr said. “Winning the next three games will put us in a good position as we finish conference play.”
Duke has shown an inability to close out games this season, partly due to a lack of production from Duke’s supporting cast. Sophomore forward Ryan Findley has carried the Blue Devils thus far, netting five game-winners this season, the most recent coming against High Point. Kerr said that tactical adjustments are not what the team needs at this point in the season, however, even with the need to energize other offensive playmakers.
“We need inspiration, not change,” he said.
A key piece of this attack rests on sophomore Andrew Wenger, who Duke will rely on to make the most impact on set pieces. The Blue Devils will also be looking to the return of junior Daniel Tweed-Kent as a spark of inspiration on the pitch.
Duke top performance at home—where it has only lost one game all year—will be tested by the Paladins. They are on a five game unbeaten streak, and coming off a big win against No. 25 College of Charleston Oct. 22.
One key duel in tonight’s matchup lies with the goalkeepers. Duke goalkeeper James Belshaw is coming into the game with five shutouts, while Furman goalie Alec Kann also has five clean-sheets. Kann comes into the game with confidence from the team’s recent unbeaten run—not to mention his shutout performance against College of Charleston.
But for the Blue Devils to find the net against Kann, they will need production not only from their star in Findley, but his supporting cast as well.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.