Despite a valiant effort, Denver men’s soccer dropped their final non-conference game to Creighton 1-0 last night at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. The game was a battle with DU  having a 16-6 advantage on shots and 8-3 margin with shots on target.  Creighton is undefeated with a 8-0-2 record while Denver dropped to 1-6-1.

“I’m really proud of the group” said DU Head Coach Jamie Franks.  “It’s the not outcome we wanted but it was a lot of the processes we wanted.” The game’s only goal came at the 68′ mark with a long side kick by Creighton. “It was a set piece and the wind carried longer” said Franks.

The first half seemed to be a possession game by DU in trying to slow down the talented Bluejays, who were ranked #7 in the United Soccer Coaches poll coming into the game.  The Pioneers ended the first half leading 5-4 on shots.

The second half was full of action with Denver having a strong offensive game.  DU had  11 shots with 8 shots being on target.   The Pioneers keep up the pressure until the buzzer with Sophomore Midfielder Erik Collins missing a shot over the crossbar at 84′ and fifth year Forward Bryce Willoughby missing a header at 90′.

Denver now opens up its West Coast Conference schedule as it heads to the University of San Diego on Sat. Sept. 26 at 6 pm MT.  San Diego was picked second in the WCC preseason poll while the Pioneers were picked third.