DENVER The University of Denver men’s soccer team (1-0-0) opened the season with a 1-0 shutout over Marquette at home on Friday afternoon.

“These players have been waiting for this game since last November’s losses to UNLV and New Mexico,” first-year DU head coach Bobby Muuss said. “Our players got it done with a win today. Now that this first one is out of the way, we can continue to come together and improve.”

Junior midfielder Joe Mathot (Port Moody, B.C.) scored on a free kick 15 minutes into the game to give the Pioneers an early lead.

Senior goalkeeper Matt Bredehoft (Fort Collins, Colo.) kept the Golden Eagles scoreless, recording five saves in the game.

The Pioneers next play St. Francis at home on Sept. 7 at 4 p.m.