CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The [5/1] University of Denver men's soccer team's 19-match unbeaten run dating back to October 10, 2017, came to an end on Monday night in a 3-0 defeat at [10/11] Virginia's Klockner Stadium.
"Obviously we're disappointed with the result," head coach Jamie Franks said. "Anytime that you spot a good team two goals, you're going to be in trouble. I didn't think we came out to play in the first half. We've had that problem a couple times this year, but obviously it hasn't hurt us until tonight. The long travel and the injuries that we've had over the past month I think caught up to us. Good teams find a way to respond and internalize what happened, and I know that's what my group will do. In tough moments of adversity, true character comes out, and we have a week to prepare for a very talented Maryland team. We've got to look at ourselves and figure out what we want out of this season, because tonight I just don't think we competed."
Denver fell to 10-1-2, while Virginia improved to 7-1-2. The Pioneers started the 2018 campaign 12 matches unbeaten, the third-such stretch to start a season for Denver in the last four years.
Virginia got on the board in the 28th minute, as a Denver defensive clearance deflected off Virginia's Daryl Dike and into the back of the Pioneers' net.
The Hoos doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute courtesy of Simeon Okoro's first goal of the 2018 campaign. Nathaniel Crofts got free down the right flank and lofted a cross to the back post to the open run of Okoro.
Virginia had a 7-0 shot advantage in the opening 45 minutes and took the only corner of the half.
Senior transfer Moshe Perez (Shim'a, Israel) started in the second half for the Pioneers, making his first appearance since Denver's trip to SMU on September 3.
Perez had the best attempt of the night for the Pioneers, but his 22-yard free kick was saved by Colin Shutler just to the right of the center of the frame.
The Pioneers pushed for their first goal in the match, creating a few chances in the opening 20 minutes of the half, but it was Virginia that finished the third goal on Monday night, as Dike found the back of the net for the second time with a 20-yard strike into the corner.
UP NEXT:
The Pioneers will have a full week off before heading back to the east coast to take on Maryland Tuesday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. MT.
TICKETS:
Single-game tickets for the 2018 Denver men's soccer season are also on sale, and can be purchased here.
PIONEER MOVEMENT: Fans interested in making a donation to the men's soccer program can do so by clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.
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