Nov. 3, 2006

Box Score

LAS VEGAS - The University of Denver men's soccer team lost its first conference match of the season Friday as UNLV upset DU 2-0 in Las Vegas. However, an NCAA Men's College Cup automatic bid is still in Denver's grasp if it wins or ties New Mexico on Sunday. The win was UNLV's first win of the season as the Pioneers fall to 11-4-1 and UNLV improves to 1-14-2.

"Tonight definitely hurt, but you have to give a lot of credit to UNLV and their coach Mario Sanchez," Head Coach Chad Ashton said. "It's easy for a team to give up this late in the season, but they played as well as any team we've played so far."

The Pioneers outshot UNLV 14-11 but it wasn't enough as the Rebels put two between the pipes in the second half.

"Both halves were similar," said Ashton. "We controlled the ball and kept play on their end, but they were very organized and created a lot of scoring chances. Towards the end of the game they started to gain confidence, enough to put one in. Things just continued from there."

The first UNLV goal was scored in the 77th minute by Peter Rodriguez who headed in a cross from Marcos Balladares. The second goal was scored 12 minutes later by Balladares who was assisted by Ben Pisch.

The Pioneers will play their final regular season match Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. against New Mexico to determine the MPSF champion and which team will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Men's College Cup. Denver needs a win or a tie to claim the championship.

"Sunday is what you play for; it is definitely the pinnacle moment of our season," Ashton said. "Though we can win with a tie, I would be surprised if the game ended that way. Both teams know what they need to do to move on to the tournament, and they're going to be doing it."