PITTSBURGH – Eric Zech's first-career goal in the 56th minute proved to be the difference-maker in Duquesne's 1-0 victory over VMI on Saturday afternoon at Rooney Field.

Duquesne (2-0-1) is off to its best start since 2014, when the Dukes began the season 3-0-2. For the second consecutive game, Robbie McKelvey turned in a blank sheet, making four saves against the Keydets.

The Dukes will have a quick turnaround, hosting Niagara at Rooney Field on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the lone goal of the contest, Carter Breen gained possession in the Duquesne defensive end, and advanced the ball to Zach Hall near midfield. Hall found Zech streaking down the left side of the pitch, as the Berlin native took a quick touch before placing a left-footed shot in the lower right corner.
• McKelvey has not allowed a goal in 282:58 of game time, last allowing a score in the sixth minute of the season opener against Bowling Green. Through three games the Dublin, Ohio product has recorded 18 saves, with a goals allowed average of 0.31.
• The Dukes finished with 13 corners to two for the Keydets.
• In shots, Duquesne led 20-8, including 9-4 on goal.
• Duquesne held a significant advantage in possession throughout the contest, leading 59 percent to 41 percent in the category.

DUQUESNE HEAD COACH CHASE BROOKS
"The guys worked really hard today. It's tough with an 11:00 a.m. kickoff to maybe get as motivated as you'd like to be; it's always a nice feeling playing under the lights. The guys did what they needed to do today. It wasn't pretty, but we did what we had to do. We kept defensively as sound as possible and limited the opponent's opportunities. We eventually put the ball in the back of the net the game - which is the objective of the game - so we're happy with that."