USA vs. Denver box score

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The third-seeded Denver scored a goal per half to knock the University of South Alabama soccer team, the sixth seed, out of the 2011 Sun Belt Conference Tournament Wednesday afternoon in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

“We knew going in that Denver was a good team,” said USA head coach Mike Varga. “I thought that we could compete with them and I’m very disappointed in the result. Overall, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this season and we hope to do better next year.”

The Jaguars rounded out the 2011 season at 12-5-2 overall and 5-3-2 in conference play. With the win, the Pioneers advance to 16-4, 9-2 SBC and will take on No. 2 FIU in the semifinals tomorrow.

DU’s Katy Van Lieshout netted the first goal of the match in the 20th minute assisted by Kristen Hamilton and Nicholette DiGiacomo.

In the 59th minute of play, Hamilton headed the ball over a Jaguar defender and then nailed a shot from 10 yards out to give the Pioneers the 2-0 lead.

Freshman midfielder Shawn Meach (Pensacola, Fla.) attempted two of USA’s three total shots, but was off the mark both times.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).