DENVER Senior forward Taryn Hemmings (Greeley, Colo.) scored both goals as the University of Denver women’s soccer team remained perfect at home with a 2-0 win over visiting Arkansas State at Pioneer Field on Friday afternoon.

 

“Overall, our team played well for a full 90 minutes today,” head coach Jeff Hooker said. “We’re pleased with our progress. Arkansas State played very determined, but we were able to capitalize on two key opportunities. We’re looking forward to carrying this kind of enthusiastic play into Sunday’s game.”

 

Hemmings netted her sixth game-winning goal of the season just 4:59 into the game, moving Denver (13-1-2, 6-0-1 SBC) to a perfect 5-0-0 at home and extending the Pioneers’ unbeaten streak to 10 straight games. Senior defender Jessi Keller (Arvada, Colo.) crossed the ball in from the right corner and Hemmings headed it past ASU keeper Megan Stoltzfus from about six yards out.

 

The Pioneers carried the 1-0 lead over Arkansas State (4-9-1, 1-5-1 SBC) into the half, marking the eighth time Denver has held a 1-0 halftime lead over its opponents this season. DU is 7-1-0 when leading 1-0 at halftime.

 

Hemmings tallied her second goal of the game in the 83rd minute to give Denver a 2-0 lead. Junior forward Brooke Lamphere (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) sent in a cross from the left corner, and Hemmings one-timed a low shot past Stoltzfus.

 

However, the Red Wolves kept pressure on until the final minute. ASU’s Kailey Gear ripped a shot from about six yards out with 2:20 remaining, but junior goalkeeper Mackenzie Snyder (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) made the save.

 

Less than one minute later, the Pioneers nearly took a three-goal lead. Freshman midfielder Bria Beardsley (Mission Viejo, Calif.) sent a shot just over the crossbar.

 

Snyder finished with four saves in her seventh shutout of the season. Meanwhile, Stoltzfus made nine saves for the Red Wolves.

 

With four points on a pair of goals in the DU victory, Hemmings broke the century mark in career points and moved into sole possession of second place among Denver’s all-time career scoring leaders with 103 career points (38 goals, 27 assists). Career leader Annette Wagner tallied 116 points (41 g, 34 a) from 1989-92.

 

The Pioneers continue conference play at Pioneer Field when they take on Arkansas Little Rock on Sunday, Oct. 19 at noon.

 

 

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