Sept. 6, 2003

Box Score

DENVER - After an impressive weekend against Northern Colorado and Portland, the University of Denver women's soccer team could not pull it together in its 3-0 loss to Colorado at Pioneer Field on Saturday, Sept. 6. The loss marks Denver's first of the season and puts its record at 2-1-0. With this win, Colorado boosts its record to 2-1-0 on the season.

Denver looked sluggish from the start. The Buffaloes attacked the Pioneer defense just nine minutes into the game when Fran Munnelly scored her first goal of the season off a pass from Kathryn Grandinetti. Only five minutes later, Colorado struck again from a header by Jen Thais. Both the Pioneers and Buffaloes remained scoreless for the rest of the first half.

The second half began with more intensity from Denver but the Pioneers could not get the momentum going. Both teams were aggressive and it showed in Denver's 16 fouls and Colorado's 14. Once again, the Buff's defense limited the Pioneers' scoring opportunities. Jessica Ceresino scored the final goal of the game for Colorado in the 84th minute off a cross from Orly Ripmaster.

Freshman goalkeeper Danielle Wiley (Littleton, Colo.) made four saves but recorded her first career loss, putting her record at 1-1 on the season. The Buffs' defense failed to let the Pioneers record a single shot on goal.

"Performances at home really matter," head coach Jeff Hooker said. "This season has been like a roller coaster. Last week we were up, now we are back down. Today Colorado was better and it was reflected in the score."

Denver returns to action next weekend as the team travels to Knoxville, Tenn., for the First Tennessee Classic Sept. 12-14. The Pioneers will face Charlotte and Richmond for the first time in team history.