Rutgers 0-1 Denver (Underwood 2’)

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Junior Alex Underwood’s (Winnetka, Ill.) second-minute strike proved the difference as the [20/15] University of Denver men’s soccer team limited [25/26] Rutgers to just three shots on goal in a 1-0 win on Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field.

Redshirt-sophomore Nick Gardner (Marvin, N.C.) picked up his third career shutout in his fourth career win.

“Anytime that you have to play less than 48 hours from your last match, you’re going to have to play well as a team to get the job done,” head coach Jamie Franks said. “It was great to watch how all 17 players that saw the field today competed. Scoring an early goal like we did can change the complexion of the game, and I’m proud of how we managed the game in the heat and humidity out here this weekend.

Redshirt-senior Chandler Crosswait (Bedford, Texas) created the Pioneers’ early goal, crossing a Reagan Dunk (Dallas, Texas) pass into the area to Underwood. The junior’s fourth career goal came off the inside of the post after he took a touch, set his feet and picked out the opening. Underwood’s goal, which was timed at 1:38, is the second fastest goal for the Pioneers since 2004, 18 seconds behind current redshirt sophomore centerback Scott DeVoss’ (Centennial, Colo.) header in last year’s Summit League Semifinals (1:20).

With the win, Franks earned his 150^th career win as a combined player/assistant and head coach, including his 51^st at the University of Denver. Sunday’s shutout is the 13^th in Franks’ short tenure as head coach, and the 35^th since Franks’ arrival as an assistant in 2012. 

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