Everything was on the line for [2/4] DU men’s soccer (12-3-4, 7-2) Saturday afternoon in their 2-1 loss against UMKC in the Summit League Tournament Final. The Pioneer Field loss gave the Roos the Conference autobid. Denver will no doubt make the NCAA Tournament and should have a first-round bye. However, if they advance, they are likely to go on the road before the College Cup in Carey, North Carolina – if they make it that far. The win gave the Roos the season series against Denver.

Denver played very conservative soccer on their home pitch. They spent long periods of the match with short passes in the back half and were only able to generate two shots on goal. Kansas City delivered the game-winner on their third corner kick goal of the match with thirteen seconds left in the second half when the Roos’ Elie Kisoka found the ball in traffic and slipped it past keeper Isaac Nehme for the upset win. DU allowed both goals on three corner kicks and were unable to score on eight of their own corner kick attempts in what was a frustrating match to watch.

With the game knotted at 1-1, Ian Smith received a red card in the 73rd minute on a questionable tackle call. The referee reviewed the call on what appeared, at worst, a yellow card and Smith was booted from the match. Denver upped the energy level with ten men carrying the pace but, again, were unable to create meaningful offensive opportunities.

As time was running out in regulation, UMKC created a corner kick taken by Julien Le Bourdoulous that appeared relatively innocent to the full house at Pioneer Field. However, Le Bourdoulous’ kick found Kisoka in a goalmouth scrum and that was the match, 2-1.

ELIE WITH A CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING GOAL ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?@Elie_Kisoka https://t.co/i73Ku0AVbB pic.twitter.com/3htYVgb5wE

— Kansas City Soccer (@KCRoosMSoccer) November 16, 2024

In the first half, Sam Bassett gave DU the lead, 1-0, on a beautiful feed from Keegan Kelly at 14:06 in what was one of Denver’s few clean scoring opportunities. Denver was unable to solve UMKC from that point forward as the Roos’ defense stifled Denver. It was a disappointing outcome for a Denver team that battled all season to earn home-field advantage. That advantage slipped away Saturday afternoon as the Pioneers delivered a poor performance when it was least expected.

With the loss, Denver is likely to forfeit their highest seed ever for the NCAA Soccer Tournament. The selection show will 11:00 am MT on Monday, November 18th on NCAA.com.