Sept. 7, 2001

Box Score

DENVER - The 25th-ranked University of Denver men's soccer team overwhelmed Xavier (Ohio) today in the second game of the John Byrden Classic today, scoring four unanswered goals in a 35 minute span in the second half to down the Musketeers, 4-0. With the win Denver improves to 2-1-0 on the season. Xavier drops to 0-3-0. The first game of the two-day tournament saw Air Force defeat Loyola (Ill.), 2-0.

After a scoreless first half, the Pioneers came out determined in the second frame. Sophomore Brian Kneuer (Littleton, Colo.) put the Pioneers on the scoreboard in the 56th minute when he gathered a loose ball near the Musketeer goal and put it past keeper Brian Schaeper that gave Denver a 1-0 advantage.

Less than nine minutes later, sophomore Kevin Wilson (San Clemente, Calif.) took a pass from senior Michael Piserchio (Littleton, Colo.) and scored his first goal of the season that gave Denver the cushion they needed at 2-0. Denver also got scores from freshman Mike Stark (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) and freshman Chris Fagnant (Libertyville, Ill.) and won their second game of the season.

Junior goalkeeper Parker Jarvis (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) stopped two shots for Denver.

"It was nice to see us come out in the second half and play with more intensity," head coach Chad Ashton said. "The guys were going after the loose balls more aggressively and we were rewarded with a nice win."

The first game between Air Force and Loyola was an extremely physical match that featured two ejections and five cautions. Air Force got goals from freshman Marcus Sagastume in the first half and senior Brandon Jones to hold off the Ramblers, though the final score could have been much more in Air Force's favor. The Falcons peppered the Ramblers with 21 shots and missed an open net on three different occasions.

Rambler goalkeeper Greg Stellatos and Air Force forward Daniel Walsh received red cards in separate incidents. Stellatos was ejected for illegally touching the ball outside of the goal box and Walsh received his for a rough play late in the second half.

The John Byrden Classic continues Sunday with Air Force playing Xavier at 11 a.m., and Denver hosting Loyola at 1 p.m., at Pioneer Field.