The Denver women’s soccer team hosted Air Force at Peter Barton Stadium on Sept. 17, with Denver entering at 1-4-2 and Air Force at 4-2.
Air Force applied pressure early, keeping possession on Denver’s side of the field. Denver’s defense, led by sophomore defender Annie Philbin, held strong as sophomore goalkeeper Lucy Garnsey made several key saves.
Garnsey stopped a shot in the bottom-left corner and later tipped another attempt over the crossbar.
Denver broke through in the 19th minute when senior midfielder Kera Nguyen received a cross sending a high shot into the back of the net. The goal gave Denver an early 1-0 lead.
Freshman forward Caitlin Staats created several chances for Denver, while senior forward Shay Payne pushed through Air Force’s defense but could not find the back of the net.
Head coach Julianne Sitch and assistant coach Marlon McKenzie remained active on the sidelines, communicating with players throughout the half.
Garnsey took a hard hit while making a save but remained in the game.
Denver held their 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Air Force quickly answered Denver’s first half goal, finding the back of the net in the 46th minute to tie the game 1-1. During the play, Garnsey was injured and replaced by senior goalkeeper Jaidin Kinch.
Kinch made an early save to keep the game level, giving Denver a boost of momentum.
Denver created several opportunities, including three corner kicks throughout the second half, but could not capitalize.
Freshman midfielder Reese Morgan tried to give the Crimson and Gold the lead, connecting passes and keeping possession alive.
Both teams continued to battle for control as the game remained close.
Air Force broke the tie in the 72nd minute, taking a 2-1 lead over Denver.
Head coach Sitch remained vocal on the sidelines, challenging calls and standing up for her players as the Crimson and Gold looked for a way back into the game.
In the 83rd minute, officials reviewed a potential foul on Denver using video replay. Following the review, no foul was called, and the play resulted in an unsuccessful goal kick for Air Force.
Denver continued to fight until the final whistle but could not find an equalizer, falling 2-1 to Air Force.
The Crimson and Gold return home on Sept. 26 to face Saint Mary’s.
