DANVILLE, Ky. (Sept.13) – Despite a strong effort, the Denison University men's soccer team dropped a narrow 2-1 decision in a tough road battle against Centre College in Kentucky on Friday night. The Colonels scored the eventual game-winner with just 2:17 remaining on the clock.
Both teams entered the Friday night match with unbeaten records. The loss drops Denison to 3-1-1 while Centre improves to 5-0-1.
The game started off quickly for Centre, who scored in the second minute of play, leaving Denison battling back to find the equalizer for the remainder of the first half.
The Big Red found a way to even the score with the tying goal late in the first half.
Senior Corey Brunner made a well-timed run toward the front post on a corner kick, stepping to the ball just before the goalkeeper could reach it, leaving his defender a step behind and finding a way to put the ball into the net. Kameron Kist registered his team-leading third assist of the season.
The second half saw even play from both sides, with each team battling to record a potential go-ahead goal. The Big Red maintained strong possession and created several scoring opportunities, but had difficulty converting those chances into goals. Denison tallied 15 total shots, but only three were on frame. The Big Red appeared to take a lead in the 61st minute when Cameron McIntosh found the back of the net but a late offsides call was issued.
Centre was more efficient with their opportunities, generating nine shots with six on target. Corner kicks could have been the real difference maker for Denison, as they earned 16 throughout the match compared to just two for Centre. Although the Big Red managed to score once off a corner, they couldn't find another key connection to add an additional goal.
With just a little more than two minutes left in the game, Centre capitalized on a quick counterattack to score the game-winning goal off a goal kick. A swift pass through Denison's back line created just enough space for attacker Amit Shahar to break free. The forward found the right angle to slip the game-winner into the goal to give the Colonels the 2-1 victory.
"Tough game tonight," said Denison head coach Brandon Bianco. "Not our cleanest game and credit to Centre for taking their moments. We can play better and I know we'll regroup for Sunday."
Kameron Kist recorded a team-high three shots for Denison in the loss.
The Big Red will remain in Kentucky over the weekend. Denison faces Transylvania University on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 12 p.m.
