GRANVILLE, Ohio (Nov. 16) –
Jake Krueger played a role in three goals as the Denison University men's soccer team raced past visiting Anderson University by a 5-1 score in First Round action of the 2024 NCAA Men's Soccer Championships at Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium.
The Big Red controlled the match from the outset as the Big Red picked up its first NCAA Tournament win since 2006. Denison will now aim to do something that it's never done in the NCAA Tournament – win multiple games.
The victory improved the Big Red to 13-1-6 on the season. Anderson, who was making its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament, finishes its season at 8-8-5.
"Congratulations to Anderson on a great season and an NCAA appearance," Denison head coach
Brandon Bianco said. "I'm really proud of the performance today and am glad to move on to tomorrow. I felt like we did a nice job of controlling the tempo of the game and know we'll need to be even better tomorrow."
Denison scored twice in a four-minute span midway through the first half. In the 24th minute,
Zarius Eusebe finished high center following a rebound off an initial shot by Krueger.
The Big Red added an unassisted strike in the 28th minute when Krueger blasted in a shot off the outstretched keeper's fingertips into the bottom left corner of the net.
Denison maintained its 2-0 lead into halftime. The Big Red outpaced Anderson by a 15-0 margin in shots during the opening 45 minutes.
The hosts made it 3-0 when
Eli Taylor finished from close range in the 57th minute of action. Krueger picked up an assist on that score.
Phil Koutsaftis tacked on another Denison goal for good measure. His goal game off an assist from
Niko Argyros in the 69th minute.
Jake Krueger makes a move before firing in a first half goal during Saturday's NCAA First Round win (Photo by Ralph Schudel)
Anderson avoided the shutout with a goal in the 80th minute. Caleb Opoku scored off a loose ball after a corner kick. The corner kick was sent in by Dalton Grubbs, who was credited with an assist.
Doyle Catlin closed the scoring with a memorable first collegiate goal. The senior was able to score off a corner kick from Koutsaftis in the 83rd minute of play.
Denison held a decided 24-2 advantage in shots (15-1 shots on goal). The Big Red registered an 11-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Up Next: Denison will face the winner of the second game of the day – Ohio Northern or Franciscan – in Sunday's NCAA Second Round matchup. That game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start time at Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium.
