ST. LOUIS –The University of Denver women’s soccer team got a goal in the 89th minute from senior forward Katy Van Lieshout (Boulder, Colo.) to win a wild match over Saint Louis 1-0 on Friday afternoon at Hermann Stadium.

“We had to change our game plan (because of the heavy rain) just a little bit. We couldn’t really play it into the middle of the field, “head coach Jeff Hooker said. “I think the thing most impressive about the second half for us is that we didn’t give up a lot of chances, which made us more comfortable going forward.”

The story much of the second half centered on the 25-minute down pour to open the period as a result of Hurricane Isaac, leaving the pitch close to unplayable in parts. Friday’s match was moved up six hours in hopes of avoiding the storm.

Despite the rain, Denver (3-1-1) managed to raise its level of play in the second stanza, controlling much of the match after the intermission. In the second half, the Pioneers lead Saint Louis 12-4 in shots and 5-1 in corners.

Van Lieshout’s breakthrough started off a cross from senior forward Kaitlin Bast (Centennial, Colo.) that was punched out by Saint Louis (1-2-1) goalkeeper Katie Walsh. Her punch went directly to Van Lieshout, who one-timed a volley out of the air and into the back of the net.

“When it is a little bit ugly, you just have to get the ball in the mixer sometimes,” Hooker said. “Things turned out our way.”

Denver will open its 2012 home slate when it hosts the Denver Invitational at CIBER Field at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium next weekend. UC Irvine and Cincinnati will open the tournament on Friday at 4:30 p.m. MT, followed by the 25th match of the Denver and Colorado rivalry at 7 p.m. CU and Cincinnati will open Sunday’s play at 11 a.m. Denver and UC Irvine are scheduled to wrap-up the tournament with a 1:15 p.m. kickoff.

Season and individual tickets are on sale now for the 2012 season. Season tickets for 11 Denver Men's Soccer games and eight Denver Women's Soccer games are $57. By purchasing season tickets, fans will enjoy the same centerfield seat, including a comfortable seatback for all 19 games at CIBER Field at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Season tickets are available at DenverPioneers.com or by calling/e-mailing Season Ticket and Premium Seating Manager Eric Vasquez at 303.871.7460.

Individual game tickets during the 2012 season are $10 for a reserved seatback and $5 for general admission, and may be purchased by phone at 303-871-2336, online at DenverPioneers.com or in person at the Ritchie Center Box Office. DU students are free with a Pioneer Card. For group ticket discounts of 20 or more, please call/e-mail Adam Sizemore at 303-871-2389.

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