DENVER The University of Denver men’s soccer team played to a 0-0 tie with No. 24 New Mexico in the regular season finale at Pioneer Field on Sunday afternoon.

 

With the tie, New Mexico (12-4-2, 7-1-2 MPSF) clinches the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title and an automatic berth in the 2007 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship.

 

Denver (10-4-4, 6-1-4 MPSF) had chances, including one with 5:04 left in the second overtime, when sophomore forward Kellan Christensen (Layton, Utah) nailed a shot that hit the crossbar.

 

“I thought the guys played their hearts out,” head coach Bobby Muuss said. “It’s just disappointing. New Mexico had a few opportunities, but so did we. I wish we had another overtime to play.”

 

Junior forward Kyle Christensen (Layton, Utah) beat two defenders and the goalkeeper with 15 minutes remaining in the game, but his shot went just left of the goal.

 

Kyle Christensen got past the defense and goalkeeper again with 12 minutes remaining, but Ryan Farquharson rushed in and blocked the ball on the goal line.

 

Senior goalkeeper Matt Bredehoft (Fort Collins, Colo.) had seven saves in the shutout, as the Pioneers tied the Lobos for the second time this season.

 

Denver now hopes for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The announcement of the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship field will air live on ESPNews on Monday, Nov. 19 between 3:30 and 4 p.m. MT.