Nov. 5, 2006

Box Score

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The University of Denver men's soccer team lost its last match of the season Sunday to MPSF champions New Mexico 3-0 in Albuquerque, N.M. The Pioneers beat the Lobos the first time they faced each other this season 1-0 and led the MPSF throughout the season. Denver ends the season with a record of 11-5-2 (7-2-1 MPSF) as New Mexico heads to the NCAA Men's College Cup with a record of 13-3-3 (8-1-1 MPSF).

"The final score really didn't reflect how close the game was today," Head Coach Chad Ashton said. "I'm really proud of our team and what we've accomplished this season." The Pioneer season was highlighted with an eight-game unbeaten streak, the longest since 1997. They were also named College Soccer News National Team of the Week for the week of October 16th and were ranked as high as No. 15 by Soccer America. They also had the third best shutout percentage in the nation (0.63) last week.

New Mexico scored early with Chris Wright heading in a throw-in from Justin Davis in the 3rd minute.

"After the first goal, we dominated play and kept things pretty even in the first half," said Ashton. "It was definitely a tight game until the second goal was scored."

The Pioneers held the Lobos to one goal and created a few chances of their own. It wasn't until the 69th minute that Stephen Brown scored a goal assisted by Wright, who was involved in all three goals. Wright also scored the last goal in the 75th minute.

"Not a lot of teams in the nation had the opportunity we did today," Ashton said. "Hopefully, we learn from it and become not only a better team but better people because of it."