Sept. 17, 2006

Box Score

DENVER - The University of Denver men's soccer team lost a disappointing match to No. 25 Memphis Sunday morning at Pioneer Field 2-1. Freshman forward Kellan Christensen's (Layton, Utah) lone goal wasn't enough as the Pioneers fall to 4-3-1 and the Tigers improve to 7-1-0.

"It was a disappointing loss," Head Coach Chad Ashton said, "but I was happy with how we played. Our goal is to be a better team every time we step on the field and I think we did that today."

The Pioneers dominated the first half of play outshooting Memphis 6-1, but Memphis' ability to execute made their only shot of the period a goal by Kevin Walsh in the 27th minute. The goal went unanswered and Memphis ended the half on top.

The Tigers came back with energy and started the second half with a goal in the 48th minute when Walsh beat a Denver defender and attracted goalkeeper Matt Bredehoft's (Fort, Collins, Colo.) attention. Walsh crossed the ball to Tripp Harkins who kicked it into the open net for the Tigers' second goal of the game.

"The second goal was definitely our mistake," Ashton said. "You can't give a good team like Memphis chances like that."

The Pioneers finally put one on the board when sophomore Joey Mathot (Port Moody, B.C.) crossed the ball into the box where Christensen headed it in for his first collegiate goal. Despite outshooting the Tigers 12-4, the Pioneers lost to Memphis 2-1.

"We need to do a better job of finishing our chances," Ashton said. "We should always find a way to get a goal."

The Pioneers return to action Friday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. when they begin MPSF play against the New Mexico Lobos.