Denver (1-0) played Western Illinois (0-1-1) Thursday afternoon at Diane Wendt Sports Complex to open Summit League play. WIU had a tie against Eastern Illinois to open their conference schedule. Denver was sporting new all-black uniforms with red Denver lettering but secured a familiar home-field win, 2-0.
In a back-and-forth first half, the teams exchanged possessions but neither team could get on the board. Denver led in shots on goal, 4-1. However, the most dangerous shot of the half came from the visiting Leathernecks on a dangerous cross from the right-flank to Ryan DeBois who volleyed a hard shot which was saved by DU’s veteran keeper, Will Palmquist.
Only 4:27 into the second half, junior midfielder Stefan DeLeone found net with an assist from Jake Mechham for Denver’s first goal, 1-0.
DELEONE gets the Pios first goal of the season on a rebound off a set piece. #PioneerTogether pic.twitter.com/Qfr5YUjTz7
— Denver MSoccer (@DU_MSoccer) February 18, 2021
At 70:35, Denver senior Destan Norman sent a blast off the top of the goal. Fifteen minutes later Denver made good on a shot-and-goal by DU’s sophomore infielder Kengo Ohira.
KENGO! from well outside the box doubles Denver's advantage. #PioneerTogether pic.twitter.com/eAJPu83cem
— Denver MSoccer (@DU_MSoccer) February 18, 2021
Denver outshot the visitors (16-2, SOG 8-1) and carried the play in a relatively sloppy first match. Next up is a 3:00 pm MT Saturday match against these same Leathernecks.
Dunker hoping soccer may surprise and even do some damage in NCAA’s
not a fan of black uniforms. Our colors are Crimson and Gold for a reason…
I …. hmm. I don’t understand the black uniforms? When did that become a thing? It’s weird. If we were, I dunno, West Point, I’d get it. But?
Denver’s soccer players have been getting better and better recently. I hope they can continue to maintain their success.