Sept. 18, 2003

Box Score

TULSA, Okla. - The University of Denver men's soccer team was defeated by the ninth ranked SMU Mustangs, 2-0, on Thursday night in the first match of the Golden Hurricane Classic, hosted by the University of Tulsa. The Pioneers fall to 3-4-1, while SMU moves to 5-1.

"SMU is a great team," said Denver coach Chad Ashton. "They are ranked No. 9 in the country for a reason. Hopefully we can learn from this experience and come ready to play tomorrow night."

The Mustangs got on the board in the 18th minute off a one-time from J.D. Johnston. Johnston beat sophomore goalkeeper Lami Harmon (Newark, Del.) on the right side from five yards out. Kellan Zindel assisted on the play.

Harmon made five saves, while allowing two goals.

The two squads played 71 minutes of scoreless soccer before Adam Roberson netted SMU's second tally of the night. Robertson used his head to beat Harmon from three yards out in the 89th minute. Duke Hashimoto's shot caused the rebound.

The Pioneers were outshot 11-5, with sophomore John Mendes (La Mesa, Calif.) and freshman Kyle Christensen (Layton, Utah) each recorded two shots on goal. Sophomore Travis Hendricks (Englewood, Colo.) registered the other Denver scoring chance.

Mustang goalkeeper T.J. Tomasso made five saves in the shutout.

The loss ends Denver's four-match unbeaten streak.

The Pioneers will be back in action tomorrow night when they face the host institution, and No. 20 Tulsa at 6:30 p.m. MT.