OMAHA, Neb. - Creighton defeated Denver 2-1 Saturday night at Morrison Stadium in spring exhibition men's soccer.
The Bluejays controlled the first half with tremendous combination play and build-up and dominating possession, while creating some great chances and several near goals.
Brent Kallman provided the first goal of the match just minutes after replacing Kyle Deremer at center back with 18 minutes left in the first half. The sophomore knocked in a header on a pinpoint free kick from Josh Moran.
Denver was the better team in possession in the second half as the Bluejays played much of the half without the same great rhythm that was so entertaining in the first half. The Pioneers were awarded a penalty kick after several players fell to the ground while battling for position on a free kick from the left wing. Denver converted the PK and the Jays immediately went on the attack again.
Several good combination plays in the next 10 minutes provided steady pressure to the Denver back line. With four minutes remaining, freshman Michael Burke lofted a cross into the box. First semester freshman Conor Doyle headed home the game-winner between the goalkeeper's legs for his first goal in a Creighton uniform.
The match saw the return to the field of Greg Jordan who had not played a collegiate match since he tore his ACL in the Bluejays' second game of the 2009 season. Jordan put in good minutes and gave glimpses of the play that had made him a fan favorite at defensive midfield.
Brian Holt had outstanding saves to prevent two own goals in the match.
"Denver has some very good players and with wins over South Florida and the U17 National team already this spring, they were a good spring test for us," said head coach Bob Warming after the win.
Creighton now turns its attention to 2009 NCAA champion Virginia. The Cavaliers will travel to Omaha for a match next Saturday as part of the annual Kicks for a Cure event at Morrison Stadium. The third annual National Champions Challenge will kick off at 7 p.m., following the Creighton women's game with Nebraska at 4:30 p.m., on April 17.
The Bluejays controlled the first half with tremendous combination play and build-up and dominating possession, while creating some great chances and several near goals.
Brent Kallman provided the first goal of the match just minutes after replacing Kyle Deremer at center back with 18 minutes left in the first half. The sophomore knocked in a header on a pinpoint free kick from Josh Moran.
Denver was the better team in possession in the second half as the Bluejays played much of the half without the same great rhythm that was so entertaining in the first half. The Pioneers were awarded a penalty kick after several players fell to the ground while battling for position on a free kick from the left wing. Denver converted the PK and the Jays immediately went on the attack again.
Several good combination plays in the next 10 minutes provided steady pressure to the Denver back line. With four minutes remaining, freshman Michael Burke lofted a cross into the box. First semester freshman Conor Doyle headed home the game-winner between the goalkeeper's legs for his first goal in a Creighton uniform.
The match saw the return to the field of Greg Jordan who had not played a collegiate match since he tore his ACL in the Bluejays' second game of the 2009 season. Jordan put in good minutes and gave glimpses of the play that had made him a fan favorite at defensive midfield.
Brian Holt had outstanding saves to prevent two own goals in the match.
"Denver has some very good players and with wins over South Florida and the U17 National team already this spring, they were a good spring test for us," said head coach Bob Warming after the win.
Creighton now turns its attention to 2009 NCAA champion Virginia. The Cavaliers will travel to Omaha for a match next Saturday as part of the annual Kicks for a Cure event at Morrison Stadium. The third annual National Champions Challenge will kick off at 7 p.m., following the Creighton women's game with Nebraska at 4:30 p.m., on April 17.
