COLORADO SPRINGS – The [RV] University of Denver men's soccer team got a 77th minute free kick from Lukas Fisher and kept its third cleansheet of the season to take the Pioneers past Air Force on Friday night at Cadet Soccer Stadium.
Scoring Summary:
DEN: Fisher 77'
Jack and Sheila Weinberg Head Men's Soccer Coach Jamie Franks:
"I'm really proud of the group for tonight's performance. Air Force plays a man-marking system and forces you to win your 1v1s. I thought we matched Air Force's fight, which you have to do to play on the road down here. We did a good job in transition and on second balls all night, and we were able to really dictate the trend of the game and keep the ball. I thought a ton of older guys led by example, and the younger guys were able to really play their role out there. Overall, if you keep cleansheets, you always have a chance to take three points, and I'm really proud of the way we did that tonight. It's another tight turn around, and we have to shift our focus quickly to Gonzaga on Monday."
First Half:
Denver was on the front-foot from the start in the opening 45 minutes, creating a few half chances and numerous set piece opportunities in the attacking third. The Pioneers outshot the Falcons and had a 4-0 edge in corners but weren't able to find the breakthrough.
Second Half:
The Pioneers first quality scoring chance of the night came in the 64th minute when Oje Ofunrein got free just outside the six yard box. Jake Mecham got to the endline and played the ball on the ground to the center of the box, but Ofunrein's shot rolled off the top of his foot and bounced wide.
A little over 10 minutes later, reigning Summit League Offensive Player of the Week Lukas Fisher got his first collegiate goal on a free kick that he drew 25 yards out. The Denver substitute was a little more than 12 minutes into his night when he drew the foul. Fisher has had a hand in Denver's last four goals over the course of the last three matches.
Up Next:
The Pioneers will play the middle game of its current three-match road swing on Monday night when Denver heads back to the Pacific Northwest to take on Gonzaga. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. MT.
Tickets:
Denver men's and women's soccer single game tickets for the 2021 campaign are on sale now, and can be purchased here.
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