2020 Championship Central
OMAHA, Neb. – Top-seeded Denver used a pair of first-half goals to defeat fourth-seeded South Dakota in the opening semifinal of the 2020 #SummitWSOC Championship presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Thursday at Caniglia Field.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Glover talliled the opening goal for the Pios, who advanced to the title match for the fourth straight time. She lofted a shot over South Dakota goalkeeper Emily Harkleroad to put her squad ahead in the 12th minute.
Glover would add the primary assist on DU's second goal as she was part of a well-executed play that started on the Pios' end of the field. Sydney Sharp scored the goal that was assisted by Sami Feller and Glover.
The Coyotes, who entered the tournament having outscored their opponents 15-0 in the last four matches, had several chances and their first came in the opening minutes of the match but DU goalkeeper Nerea Arrazola made a diving save on a shot off the foot of Shaylee Gailus.
That would end up being the only shot on goal for the Coyotes, but late in the second half USD had a couple of chances that were just off frame.
Denver will play the winner of the second semifinal between No. 2 seed South Dakota State and tournament host and No. 3 seed Omaha.
Turning point
- Kaitlyn Glover converted DU's first shot of the game, scoring in the 12th-minute to give the Pioneers an early 1-0 lead.
Inside the box score
- Glover had a goal and an assist in the same game for just the second time in her career (vs. Oral Roberts; Feb. 19).
- All-league first teamer Sami Feller assisted on both of the Pios' goals and now has eight helpers on the season.
- Denver outshot the Coyotes 15-7 and held a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal.
News & Notes
- This is the fourth straight #SummitWSOC Tournament that the Pioneers have advances to the championship match and sixth time since joining the league.
- DU is 3-0-2 in its previous Summit League title matches with both matches where they did not win ending in penalty kicks.
- South Dakota was shutout for just the fourth time this season and the second time by the Pioneers.
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