Box Score DENVER - The No. 19 University of Denver men's soccer team was edged 1-0 to No. 6 Creighton in the season opener at CIBER Field on Saturday night.
"I think Creighton is a legitimate national championship contender, and I think our guys came out here and battled them, playing our brand of soccer," head coach Bobby Muuss said. "We can't be happy with a loss, but I'm happy with the direction that this group is going.
The game narrowly missed an overtime period, as a Creighton defender attempted to clear the ball with his head, sending it into the post as the buzzer sounded.
The Pioneers (0-1-0) out-shot the Bluejays 19-7 in the game, including 15-4 in the second half. Creighton held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks, but four of DU's corners were in the second half while holding CU to none.
The Bluejays (1-0-0) scored the only goal of the game, when Ethan Finlay sent a cross to Guido Pena in the box for a goal in the 65th minute.
The Pioneers had their chances, especially in the second half. Junior Alex Tarnoczi (Castle Rock, Colo.) fired a free kick through the Creighton wall, and CU goalkeeper Brian Holt just deflected it out of bounds. On the ensuing corner kick, sophomore Jack Henderson's (Denver, Colo.) header went just wide of the goal.
Junior Drew Beckie (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) put four of his five shots on goal, including ones in the 52nd and 78th minute.
The Pioneers have a week off before hosting Davidson at CIBER Field on Sunday, Sept. 4 at noon MT.
Season and individual tickets are on sale now for the 2011 season. Season tickets for nine Denver Men's Soccer games and nine Denver Women's Soccer games are $72. By purchasing season tickets, fans will enjoy the same centerfield seat, including a comfortable seatback for all 18 games at CIBER Field at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Season tickets are available at DenverPioneers.com or by calling/e-mailing Season Ticket and Premium Seating Manager Eric Vasquez at 303.871.7460.
Individual game tickets during the 2011 season are $8 for a reserved seatback and $5 for general admission, and may be purchased by phone at 303-871-2336, online at DenverPioneers.com or in person at the Ritchie Center Box Office. All individual game tickets are general admission. DU students are free with a Pioneer Card.
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