Oct. 7, 2005

Box Score

DENVER - Junior midfielder Ben Mendozza's (Aurora, Colo.) goal in the 58th minute was all the University of Denver men's soccer team would need as the Pioneers blanked the UNLV Rebels, 2-0, today at Pioneer Field. DU improves to 5-3-1 overall and 1-0-0 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. The Rebels fall to 2-8, 0-1.

"The conference season is a new season, a fresh start," DU Head Coach Chad Ashton said. "It is always good to start with a victory. Hopefully we can build off our momentum and come out strong on Sunday. We look forward to the challenge."

Senior back Liam Girard (Victoria, B.C.) setup the game's first goal. His perfect ball off a corner kick found the head of Mendozza who was able to put it past UNLV keeper Peter Clitheroe. It was Girard's fifth assist and Mendozza's third goal of the year.

Freshman Greg Fiddick (Sidney, B.C.) added an insurance goal in the 89th minute. He scored on an empty net, putting home a ball from midfield.

Denver dominated play, outshooting the Rebels, 12-2.

The Pioneers host league rival and No. 1 New Mexico on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. at Pioneer Field.