A record crowd of 1,803 witnessed #2 Denver (4-0-3) dismantle Yale and maintain their unbeaten record in the Pioneers’ 2024 home opener. After falling behind 1-0 early, the Pioneers reeled off four goals to easily finish off the Bulldogs. The victory kicks off a five-match home stand.

In the first half, Denver owned the pace of play with precision passing and possession. An uncharacteristic turnover by Denver in the defensive end gave the visiting Bulldogs early life when they scored in a chaotic scramble in front of the goal at 21:23 to make it 1-0. DU responded quickly with a fast break into the visitors box and a foul call on Yale tackle. DU’s Sam Bassett buried the penalty kick into the upper right corner of the goal to knot the score at 1-1 at 24:16. Denver kept pressing the ball and took control the remainder of the half. DU’s Bryce Willoughby beat the keeper Chris Edwards in the lower right corner for goal, 2-1, with 6:10 remaining. DU created another lightning strike on a fast-break marker by Sam Bassett at 5:25 to gave Denver the last points of the first half, 3-1. DU outshot Yale 8-3 and led on corner kicks 4-1.

Denver dominated the second half, creating numerous chances while pushing Yale into a defensive shell. Denver finally broke through at 11:49 with a quick strike header by Oje Ofunrein with a feed from Ben Smith for the final tally of the match. Denver finished with 19 shots, 7 on frame along with 5 corners in a dominant performance on the night. Yale only had one shot on goal and it found its way into the net.

Next up for Denver is Portland at 7:00 pm Thursday at Pioneer Field.