November 25th 2024.
After suffering a tough loss, the DU Pioneers came back with a vengeance and delivered an incredible performance on the soccer field. It was perhaps their best half of the entire season, showing just how determined and skilled this team truly is. In the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Pioneers faced off against Gardner-Webb and came out on top with a stellar 3-0 victory at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
The Pioneers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with three players scoring within the first 25 minutes of the game. Senior Sam Bassett played a key role in the last two goals, providing assists to his teammates and showing off his exceptional skills. The third-seeded Pioneers were able to keep the Runnin' Bulldogs at bay, allowing only two shots on goal for the entire game. This win propelled the Pioneers to the NCAA Round of 16, a feat they have not achieved since their impressive run to the College Cup in 2016. Their next challenge will be against 14th-seeded Indiana, and with the game being played on their home turf, the Pioneers have a great advantage.
The first goal came from senior midfielder Ben Smith, who perfectly executed a back-heel finish off of a brilliant cross from sophomore forward Bryce Willoughby. Just a few minutes later, freshman forward Keegan Kelly and junior defender Trevor Wright added to the scoreline with assists from the talented Bassett. With a commanding 3-0 lead, the Pioneers were in complete control and Gardner-Webb never stood a chance.
Bassett made history with his two assists, breaking the program's single-season record and showcasing his impressive skills on restarts. The first assist came from a free kick that Kelly finished off with a diving header, followed by a corner kick that Wright finished off with a powerful header. The Pioneers' three goals in the first half were their most in an NCAA Tournament half since 2016, and Kelly and Wright's goals were the 12th-fastest consecutive scores in the program's Division I history at just 75 seconds.
It was an all-around dominant performance from the Pioneers, especially after their heartbreaking loss in the Summit League title game the week before. This win showed that they have what it takes to bounce back and perform at their best. Head coach Jamie Franks has created a program that focuses on long-term development and it is clearly paying off, as the Pioneers have now won at least one NCAA Tournament game for four consecutive seasons. With an overall record of 8-11-1 in the tournament, the Pioneers have established themselves as a strong and consistent team in the college soccer world.
If you want to stay updated on all things Denver sports, be sure to sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all the latest analysis and news on our city's teams. The Pioneers have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with and we can't wait to see what they will accomplish next.
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