The DU men’s soccer team continued its success this weekend, tying Eastern Illinois on the road Oct. 5. The tie brought the Pioneers record to 6-3-1 on the season, with a 1-0-1 mark in conference. 

After winning the Summit League conference last season, the Pioneers are back at it again this year and look likely to repeat their conference title. However, there are still six games to be played, four of which are conference opponents.

While Denver has struggled somewhat on the road this season, 0-2-1, they have been excellent at home, 6-0.

“It’s just the comforts of being home. We have our routines, and less travel obviously is going to save anyone,” said head coach Bobby Muuss. “Every away game is a flight for us. I just think the guys are comfortable here. It’s a good environment. I think each year the environment here gets better and better. We’re getting more and more fan support.”

Another key to the Pioneers’ success is the return of senior goalkeeper Oliver Brown. An early season injury saw sophomore Ryan Massey take over the starting role, allowing 9 goals. Brown, who took home Goalie of the Year honors for the Summit League last year, has shown improvement in his return, allowing only .71 goals per game.

“A key for us right now [is]the return of Brown. Massey played very well early in the season, and I think we have a few young goalkeepers who are the future of this team, but to have a four-year starter back to lead the back of the team just from an organization standpoint is huge,” said Muuss.

Despite enjoying a reasonable amount of success, Muuss believes that Denver has yet to play their best soccer.

“I think that we’re yet to see us all play well at the same time, and I think that’s something that we’re all eager to see. Our goals are lofty this year. I don’t think there’s a person in the locker room who doesn’t think that we can be good. But talking about being good is one thing, and actually going out and doing it are totally different.”