On a Monday night clash between No. 4 Denver Pioneers and the unranked Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, senior Andre Shinyashiki (Sao Paulo, Brazil) scores the game-winner in 2OT to push the Pioneers to 8-0-1 on the season and continue their undefeated streak.
The first half slightly favored the Pioneers in terms of shots and corners as the two teams became acquainted with one another. It was a very unproductive half for both teams as Tulsa tried to place pressure onto the Pioneers early. In the 41st minute, Tulsa was able to capitalize on this pressure and score to take the lead going into the half.
Frustrated to allow a goal right before the half, Denver came out into the second half ready to show the Golden Hurricanes why they are one of the best teams in the nation. The Pioneers controlled all aspects of the second half, placing an exorbitant amount of pressure onto the Tulsa backline. From the center of the pitch, sophomore Jacob Stensson (Stockholm, Sweden) sent a ball out to senior Kenny Akamatsu (Niigata, Japan) waiting on the left side. Akamatsu ran at the Golden Hurricane backline and drew a defender to leave Shinyashiki wide open to guide the ball into the right corner of the goal to equalize the game in the 62nd minute. The second half would end level with both teams having opportunities to win the match.
In an underwhelming first extra-time, the Pioneers were able to get three shots on goal requiring saves for each by the Tulsa goalkeeper.
The second extra-time had fans sitting at the edge of their seats as Denver continued to get shots on goal with none reaching the back of the net. In the 107th minute, the Golden Hurricanes had an opportunity to spoil the Pioneers’ night with the ball falling into the goal; however, it was called back for offsides. Two minutes later, freshman Callum Stretch (Encino, Calif.) sent a switching ball to freshman Liam Johnson (Golden, Colo.), who played a give and go with freshman Stefan Deleone (Fort Collins, Colo.). Johnson redirected the ball to the top of the six-yard box where Shinyashiki composed himself and placed the ball into left side of the goal winning the match for the Pioneers.
Shinyashiki continues to have an unbelievable senior year campaign with the Pioneers. Currently leading the nation with 19 goals on the season, Shinyashiki has scored more goals than 193 of 205 teams in Division I excluding Denver. Secondly, he scored his 7th game winner, breaking Denver’s Division I’s single-season record.
Denver plays again on Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. MST against Purdue Fort Wayne. Admission is free for all students.
