DENVER – The [RV/18] University of Denver men's soccer team and San Diego State played to a scoreless draw in both teams' season opener on Thursday night at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium.
Significant Stats:
- Denver had a 58-42 advantage in possession in the opening 45 minutes and outshot San Diego State 5-2 in the first half. The Pioneers finished with a 61-39 edge in the 90-minute game.
- The Pioneers outshot San Diego State 9-5.
- Denver held San Diego State without a shot on goal in the match, the 21st time the Pioneers defended without allowing a shot on target in their Division I history.
First Half:
15'
Ian Smith's first of three shots in the opening half was the first of the game, but his attempt from 25 yards out was blocked.
21' Smith's shot six minutes later was saved comfortably by the keeper from a similar distance as his first attempt.
24' After three clocked-stopped talking tos from referee Chris Greer, SDSU's Jules Anderson went into the notebook for the first caution of the night.
26' San Diego State's first shot was high of
Isaac Nehme's goal.
34'
Ben Smith had the best attempt in the first 35 minutes of the first half, getting slid the ball at the top of the box, but the SDSU keeper read it well and saved it comfortably.
45'
Oje Ofunrein got on the end of a recycled ball in from
Dylan Akau, but the substitute's header was wide of the frame.
Second Half:
56' Sam Bassett nearly headed in the opener shy of the hour mark off a Lukas Fisher cross from the right flank, but his glancing header to the far post went over the crossbar and skimmed the top of the net on the way through.
62' San Diego State continued to muck-up the rhythm of the game, with Denver captain Ben Smith being fouled five times just over an hour into proceedings. Four of the five fouls were on SDSU's Austin Brummett, but he escaped the referee's notebook with five in just over 50 minutes on opening night.
Up Next:
Denver will continue its six-match homestand on Sunday when Denver hosts Grand Canyon at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. MT.
Tickets:
Season and single game tickets for Denver men's and women's soccer are on-sale now and can be purchased here.
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