Oct. 19, 2003

Box Score

Sacramento, Calif. - Freshman Kyle Christensen (Layton, Utah) tallied a game-high two goals as the University of Denver men's soccer team defeated Mountain Pacific Sports Federation rival Sacramento State, 4-1, today in Sacramento, Calif. Denver improves it's mark to 7-6-1 overall and 1-1-0 in the conference. The Hornets fall to 4-9-1 overall and 1-2-0 in the league.

The Pioneers go on the board first in the 20th minute when freshman Mike Seger (Victoria, B.C.) passed a short ball to sophomore Travis Hendricks (Broomfield, Colo.) Hendricks received the pass and placed a shot into the bottom left side of the net.

Freshman James Merriman (Nanaimo, B.C.) put Denver on top for good during the 66th minute of the contest. Working with Hendricks, they combined for a high cross and header to put the Pioneers up, 2-0.

In the second half, Christensen scored two unassisted insurance goals during the 73rd and 75th minute, respectively. Christensen leads the team in total points (14), goals (5), assists (4) and shots (31).

"Starting the conference schedule with two consecutive losses was not an option," Head Coach Chad Ashton said. "We were very determined to put points on the board and it showed."

Denver sophomore goalkeeper Lami Harmon (Newark, Del.) allowed only one goal during a penalty kick by Sacramento State's Marcos Mercado to the left side of the net. The penalty kick was given to the Hornets after senior Brian Kneuer (Littleton, Colo.) was issued a red card for a hand ball in the Denver goalkeeper box.

Harmon made five saves on the day. He is now 7-3-1 on the season with a goals against average of 1.17.

The Pioneers will continue their road trip with a MPSF match up against San Diego State on Friday, October 24, at 4 p.m. MT.