The DU women’s soccer team has officially kicked off its 2014 season and is off to a strong start. The program has come a long way in the past few years and the Pioneers are looking promising to stay on an upward track for the remainder of the season.
Beginning their season with a tie against the University of Nevada on Aug. 22, Denver has since pulled together three victories against Colorado State University, the University of Detroit and Iowa State University.
Denver’s four losses have been very close, low-scoring games. Denver fell to Colorado College 3-2 on Aug. 24, Long Beach State 2-1 on Aug. 31, the University of Kansas 2-1 on Sept. 7 and the University of Colorado-Boulder 2-1 on Sept. 12.
The Pioneers added nine freshman to their roster this year, along with one transfer student.
The week of Sept. 15, freshman Mackenzie Bothner (Park City, Utah) was named the Summit League Defensive Player of the Week. A huge individual accomplishment, Bothner is the first of the season to pick up a weekly conference award.
The remainder of Denver’s team consists of six sophomores, three juniors, and seven seniors, for a total of 26 players. The returning team members have shown true dedication to their team’s unity, both on and off the field, and should be crucial to Denver’s success this season.
Denver head coach Jeff Hooker, who is also the nine-time conference head coach of the year, looks to reach double digits in NCAA tournament appearances this season, which would make it three years in a row for DU’s program. Hooker’s positive attitude and dedication towards the success of his athletes is highly apparent. Head assistant Kris Peat and assistant Katie Hooker will also help lead the Pioneers to victory.
The Pioneers hosted the University of San Francisco on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. This game was the second of five- straight home matches for the team. San Francisco arrived to Denver undefeated in their last three matches.
Denver ended San Francisco’s winning streak, scoring in minute 47 of the game. With a final score of 1-0, Denver’ added another win to their record, leaving the Pioneers with 4-4-1 standing at this point in the season.
Denver’s faces Bringham Young University on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m on CIBER Field.
