Box Score The Basics
Score: Denver 2 - Oral Roberts 0
Records: DU (15-0-3, 5-0-1 SL) - ORU (7-7-4, 3-2-1 SL)
Location: CIBER Field – Denver, Colo.
DENVER – The Oral Roberts men's soccer team's season came to a close Saturday afternoon at CIBER Field as top-seeded Denver defeated the Golden Eagles, 2-0, in the Summit League Championship match.
Coming into play ranked No. 7 nationally and the lone unbeaten team in the country, the Pioneers scored two second half goals to claim the League's automatic spot in the NCAA College Cup.
After battling to a scoreless first half of play, Denver was able to make its way into the attacking third of the field and draw a foul just outside of the box. That was when Karsten Hanlin bent a ball around the ORU wall of defenders on a free kick to give DU the lead.
The Golden Eagles did not give up, attacking the middle of the field and putting pressure on the Summit League's Goalkeeper of the Year, Dan Jackson as they attacked for eight second-half shots compared to only taking two attempts in the opening half of play.
It was off an ORU attack that led Denver to their second and decisive goal as the Pioneers quickly turned the Golden Eagle opportunity into a counter attack for Alex Underwood who broke down the field for a beautiful fast break goal to push the lead to 2-0 in the 70th minute.
Seniors Edgardo Mira, Tarik Salkicic and Alex White were named to the All-Tournament Team for their play over the past two matches.
"The boys played really well. We gave ourselves a chance to win the game," head coach Ryan Bush said. "Our defense was exceptional tonight as they have been all year and didn't allow hardly any quality chances on goal."
"I'm extremely proud of the seniors and my heart go out to them right now. They did everything they needed to do to win the game and it didn't work out for them today," Bush continued. "However, the way they championed their teammates and continued to compete was a small example of the class and character of this group. They've transformed the program over the last three years - To the staff and their teammates, they left the field champions today."
Inside the Box Score
- The Golden Eagles were edged in shot attempts, 11-10 on the day. Tarik Salkicic led the team with three.
- Ben LaCourse mad three saves in the match.
- Denver held the advantage in corner kicks at a mark of 5-1.
- ORU advanced to the tournament championship match for the first time since 2011.
- Denver improves to 6-0-0 all-time in league tournament history.
- The Pioneers are now unbeaten in its last 29 matches at CIBER Field, extending its longest active streak in the NCAA.
For more information and updates about ORU men's soccer, follow @ORUMSoccer on Twitter, or visit ORUAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the Golden Eagles Front Row App at ORUAthletics.com/frontrow or in the App Store.
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