ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - Yanis Lakhlifi needed just 9 minutes and 30 seconds to give Denver the early advantage, slotting home a goal from an intricate passing sequence involving Simon Klevberg and Ronan Selbo before a sparse crowd of 179 at the St. Thomas Soccer Complex.
The early breakthrough set the tone for what became an intense and physical defensive chess match, with both teams marshaling their defensive resources to neutralize the opposition. St. Thomas (MN) goalkeeper made several crucial saves, while Denver's defense absorbed the pressure, withstanding St. Thomas's attempts to equalize.
The first half was characterized by end-to-end battles, with both teams creating half-chances. Denver's Lakhlifi tested St. Thomas's goalkeeper with a 23rd-minute shot that flew just wide, while St. Thomas's Bryce Willoughby orchestrated a promising counter-attack in the 31st minute, threading a pass through Denver's defense that sailed out of bounds. The Pioneers edged the corner-kick battle 5-2, though neither team capitalized on their set-piece opportunities.
As the second half unfolded, St. Thomas (MN) continued to push for the equalizer, with Keegan Kelly finally breaking through in the 85th minute. Kelly's goal, assisted by Willoughby's pinpoint cross, was a testament to the Tommies' persistence and resilience. The equalizer sparked a flurry of activity, but neither team could find a winner, with both defenses stifling the opposition's attacks.
Statistics reveal a closely contested match, with both teams recording five shots apiece. Denver held a marginal advantage in corner kicks, 5-2, but St. Thomas (MN) managed to stay even in shots on target, with one apiece. Denver received three yellow cards and St. Thomas (MN) received four.
Denver's draw extends their unbeaten streak to two matches, improving their record to 9-7-3 overall and 4-1-2 in conference play. The Pioneers now prepare for their next match against No. 4 Oral Roberts in the 2025 Summit League Championship. The stakes are high, and Denver will look to build on their recent form to make a strong impression.
The result has different implications for St. Thomas (MN), who remain 7-5-5 overall and 1-3-2 in conference play. The Tommies' current streak of consecutive draws now stands at two matches. While the point is valuable, St. Thomas (MN) will be disappointed to have dropped two points at home.
The defensive units of both teams commanded the match and stifled the opposition's attacks. As the teams head into their next fixtures, they will look to build on their defensive solidity and find the breakthroughs needed to secure victories.
Key Players:
Yanis Lakhlifi (Denver) – Slotted home the opening goal with composure, giving Denver the early advantage and setting the tone for the match.
Keegan Kelly (St. Thomas (MN)) – Equalized for the Tommies with a well-taken goal, assisted by Bryce Willoughby's pinpoint cross, showcasing his clinical finishing.
Simon Klevberg (Denver) – Orchestrated the build-up to Denver's opening goal with intelligent distribution and precise passing.
Bryce Willoughby (St. Thomas (MN)) – Created the scoring chance that led to Kelly's equalizer with a pinpoint cross, demonstrating his ability to pick out teammates in dangerous positions.