DENVER, Colo. – The Westminster men's soccer team went shot-for-shot with MSU Denver on Sunday afternoon at The Assembly Athletic Complex, but couldn't find the finishing touch in a 2-0 road loss. Despite the scoreline, the Griffins matched the Roadrunners in total shots (10-10) and out-cornered them 6-1.
Game Breakdown
First Half
Westminster came out aggressive, earning back-to-back corner kicks in the opening two minutes and testing Roadrunners goalkeeper Dominic Miller early when Owen Gallo forced a save in the fourth minute. The Griffins continued to generate chances, with Ashton Duran and Cam Neeley both having shots blocked before the midway point of the half. MSU Denver broke through in the 19th minute, however, when John Lucio scored an unassisted goal to give the Roadrunners a 1-0 lead. Oliver Olsen made a big save on Jared Mojardin's attempt in the 31st minute to keep the deficit at one, and Westminster carried four corner kicks into the break compared to zero for MSU Denver — a clear sign the Griffins controlled the run of play in stretches despite trailing.
Second Half
The battle remained even after halftime, with each team firing seven shots over the final 45 minutes. Olsen came up big again in the 52nd minute, saving a shot from Charlie Lucero, and Kasen Smith tested Miller in the 74th minute, drawing a save of his own. Westminster kept pushing, but MSU Denver extended its lead to 2-0 in the 78th minute when Dominic Athearn scored an unassisted goal. Owen Gallo answered immediately, forcing another save from Miller just 31 seconds later, and Max Edwards added a pair of late chances, including a blocked shot in the 84th minute. Olsen made one more stop in the 88th minute to close out a determined effort, but the Griffins couldn't find the back of the net, and the match finished 2-0.
Griffin Performances
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Owen Gallo led Westminster with three shots, two on target, testing Miller multiple times throughout the match
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Ashton Duran added two shots in an active offensive shift
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Max Edwards fired two shots in the second half off the bench
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Oliver Olsen turned in a strong performance in goal, making three saves to keep the Griffins within striking distance
Final Stats
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Shots: Westminster 10, MSU Denver 10
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Shots on Goal: MSU Denver 5, Westminster 3
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Corner Kicks: Westminster 6, MSU Denver 1
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Fouls: MSU Denver 12, Westminster 11
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Saves: Westminster 3 (Olsen), MSU Denver 3 (Miller)
Up Next
Westminster returns home to host Colorado State University Pueblo on Thursday.
