Golden Goal Sends Denver Past Saint Louis, 2

by Niko Blankenship

September 8, 2012

DENVER - The University of Denver men's soccer program recorded its first win of the season in thrilling fashion, as a golden goal from sophomore forward Ryan Dodson(Libertyville, Ill.) in the first overtime capped-off the Pioneers 2-1 victory over Saint Louis on Saturday night at CIBER Field at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. The win extends the Pioneers unbeaten streak to three matches.

"We played the way we want to play for the first time this season, for long periods of time," head coach Bobby Muuss said. "We still had some lapses and we still have to get better, but I'm extremely proud right now."

After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Saint Louis (3-2-0) drew first blood in the 47^thminute when a DU turnover left Billiken sophomore Kingsley Bryce free on the right side of goal, where he buried a right-footed shot in the upper-left side of the net.

The Pioneers (1-1-2) responded in the 75^th minute when a corner from sophomore midfielder Brian Hoyt (Tempe, Ariz.) was deflected into the path of senior Mark Weigand (Fort Wayne, Ind.). Weigand proceeded to fire the ball past the keeper from 22 yards out to level the score at one.

Dodson sent the Pioneer faithful home happy in the 97^th minute on a counter-attack goal. After running from his defensive penalty area to his attacking third with the ball, junior midfielder Zach Bolden (Denver, Colo.) laid a pass off to Dodson on the right side of the box. Dodson's strike found the back of the net to give Denver the full three points.

All four of Denver's matches this season have required extra time, the first time the Pioneers have played four-consecutive overtime matches since current DU women's head coach Jeff Hooker's men's side did so in 1997 (Aug. 30-Sept. 9).

"We've gotten used to overtime," Muuss said. "I don't think the guys are excited about it, but we persevered, we got through it and we showed a lot of character."

DU outpaced Saint Louis 23-11 in shots, 13-3 in shots-on-goal and 10-6 on corner kicks.

Redshirt-freshman goalkeeper Nate Esler (St. Charles, Ill.) got the win in his first-career start.

Denver will play the fourth game of its five-game homestand Friday when the Pioneers host Presbyterian at 7 p.m. MT.

Individual tickets are on sale now for the 2012 season. 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.