Denver Holds Off Kansas, 1-0

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Despite outshooting the visiting Pioneers 16-8, including 11-1 in the second half, Kansas was shutout for the first time this season, 1-0 by Denver Friday evening at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.

The Pioneers extend their unbeaten streak to seven matches and now boast a record of 6-1-1, while the Jayhawks’ six-game unbeaten streak was snapped, dropping them to 6-2-1 on the season.

On Friday, the Jayhawks edged the visitors in nearly every statistical category – except the score. DU recorded the lone goal of the match in the 18th minute as senior Katy Van Lieshout tipped in a through ball after a free kick into the box from 35 yards out. It was Van Lieshout’s second goal of the season.

Following the goal, Kansas turned up the intensity and outshot the Pioneers 14-4 over the final 72 minutes of action. The Jayhawks had several golden opportunities to tie the match in the second half.

In the 54th minute, senior Whitney Berry fired a shot towards the net from the far corner of the box that was snagged by DU goalkeeper Lara Campbell. Just three minutes later, junior Caroline Kastor tried to sneak a header into the back of the net, however the ball sailed just feet from the left post to keep the Jayhawks scoreless.

Kansas kept up the pressure a minute later when midfielder Amy Grow found space just outside the penalty box. The senior out of Edmond, Okla., put a hard strike on but the curving shot flew just over the cross bar, leaving the Pioneers with the 1-0 advantage.

Campbell made five saves to record her second shutout of the season. She withstood 16 shots from the Jayhawks, however just five were on net.

Sophomore Jamie Fletcher led the Kansas attack with five shots, while Berry tallied three. Fletcher and Berry were each able to put two shots on goal as well.

Sophomore goalkeeper Kaitlyn Stroud was given her first start in goal for KU this season. The Fayetteville, Ga., native played all 90 minutes and collected two saves.

The Jayhawks now move into Big 12 play when they host No. 7 Oklahoma State Friday, Sept. 21 at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. and can be viewed on AT&T Jayhawk All-Access with live updates throughout the conference opener on twitter at KU_Soccer.

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