DENVER Freshman midfielder Jarod Stigall (Plano, Texas) scored his second goal of the game in overtime, sending the University of Denver men’s soccer team to a 3-2 victory over San Jose State Friday night.

 

“I think we stole a win from a very good team in a very tough place to play,” head coach Bobby Muuss said. “Our team showed tremendous character to come back twice in a game that was an absolute battle for 98 minutes. Jarod Stigall and all of the young guys stepped up big for us tonight. Stigall’s second goal in overtime was a big-time play that you don’t see very often from a freshman.”

 

The victory is the fourth straight for the Pioneers (6-5-0, 4-0-0 MPSF), who remain undefeated in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play and retain first place in the conference.

 

Stigall stole a ball as San Jose State (4-5-3, 0-4-0 MPSF) attempted to clear with 2:11 left in overtime and shot from the left corner of the box, bending it to the right post and into the goal.

 

San Jose State jumped to an early lead just 2:30 into the game, when Hiroki Akiyama scored on a throw-in.

 

Denver tied the game just 24 seconds later. Senior midfielder Joey Mathot (Port Moody, B.C.) crossed from the right side and Stigall headed in a deflection off the goalkeeper’s hands.

 

The score remained knotted 1-1 until the Spartans regained the lead. Ricky Dorrego scored on a rebound after Colby Moore’s shot was blocked.

 

Trailing by a goal with four minutes remaining in regulation, the Pioneers tied the game again. Sophomore midfielder Ryan Aweida (Broomfield, Colo.) crossed from the left side to senior defender Colin Jones (Philadelphia, Pa.) in the middle of the box, and Jones headed the ball into the right corner. Jones leads DU with nine points off four goals and an assist this season.

 

Sophomore goalkeeper Joe Willis (St. Louis, Mo.) registered eight saves, while San Jose State out-shot Denver 22-20.

 

The Pioneers conclude their three-game MPSF road stretch at Sacramento State on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. MT.