Aug. 29, 2003

Box Score

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Sophomore Thomas Flynn (Broomfield, Colo.) scored the Pioneers' first goal of the season, but it was not enough as the University of Denver men's soccer team was defeated by the Marquette Golden Eagles, 2-1, on Friday afternoon at the Falcon Invitational, hosted by Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"I thought we were the better team, but sometimes the final score doesn't reflect that," said Head Coach Chad Ashton. "We made some young mistakes that I believe we will be able to workout."

Flynn broke a scoreless tie after a 75-minute rain delay and 57 minutes of scoreless soccer in which Denver's experienced back line of sophomore Liam Girard (Victoria, B.C.) and junior Mark Wellen (Littleton, Colo.) held the Golden Eagles off the board.

Flynn took a ball from freshman Ben Mendozza (Aurora, Colo.) and headed it past Marquette's keeper, Adam Ubert.

The Pioneers had several good first half scoring chances, including a goal by senior Brian Kneuer (Littleton, Colo.) that was called back due to an offsides call.

Blair Kohlmeyer put the Golden Eagles on the board in the 66th minute. His shot from 22 yards out beat Denver goalkeeper, sophomore Philip Zaranka (Englewood, Colo.) high and left. Zaranka's made three saves, while allowing two goals in his first career start.

The Pioneers played the final 18 minutes of the match a man down due to a Kneuer red card given to the senior on a slide tackle. Kneuer will have to sit out Sunday's match as well.

Kohlmeyer scored again in the 77th minute to put Marquette, 2-1. Kohlmeyer beat Zaranka from close range after taking a cross from Derek Gutierrez.

Denver will play its next match at noon on Sunday, Aug. 31, against Gonzaga in Colorado Springs, Colo. at the Falcon Invitational hosted by Air Force.