Creighton University
Denver (Homecoming -- Getting Blue BBQ)
Men's Soccer Posts Third Straight Shutout in 2-0 Win Over Denver
9/27/2008 10:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer
OMAHA, Neb. - Tim Walters and Andrei Gotsmanov scored and the Bluejay defense notched its third straight shutout, as the eighth-ranked Creighton men's soccer team posted a 2-0 win over Denver Saturday night, in front of 3,156 at Morrison Stadium.
The Bluejays (6-1-0) scored their first goal in the 14th minute, in what would prove to be a match dominated by hard-nosed defense by both squads. Akin Akinrinade sent a ball down the right side of the field to Byron Dacy who sent a low crossing pass through the box, where Walters was able to tuck the ball into the back of the net from six yards out. The goal for Walters was his second game-winner in as many games.
The Jays allowed only two Denver (2-5-0) shots in the first half, while they out-shot the Pioneers 6-2 and had a 4-0 edge in corners in the first 45 minutes.
Denver managed a few more chances in the second half, as the Pioneers, who have now dropped three tightly contested matches against top 25 opponents, logged six shots, two on goal after the break. DU's best scoring chance came in the 57th minute when Sam Garza sent a one-timed shot wide left of the goal.
Gotsmanov added an insurance goal with a little under seven minutes to play when he stole the ball from a Pioneer defender and then beat the DU goalkeeper with his right foot at 83:23. The MAC Hermann Trophy Candidate is now tied with Jeff Thayer and Ethan Finlay for the team-lead with three goals on the season.
Brian Holt made two saves for his fifth shutout in seven games. While the Bluejay defense again stood tall against a strong attacking team. The shutout was Creighton's third straight, as they blanked Stanford and then sixth-ranked California last weekend.
The Bluejays return to action on Wednesday when they play host to Cal State Northridge in a nationally televised match. The contest will kickoff at 7 p.m. and will be carried live in Nebraska on NET and NET-HD, and picked up nationally by CBS College Sports.
