THE RUNDOWN
Despite a second half surge, the DBU Women's Soccer team dropped its season opener 1-0 to MSU-Denver on Thursday at Patriot Field. The Patriots outshot the Roadrunners 6-1 in the second half, but could not erase a one-goal deficit. Raegan Staib scored the game's lone goal for MSU-Denver in the 41st minute on a shot that barely snuck past the outstretched fingertips of Hope Koym. Staib's goal was assisted by Reigna Banks after a Roadrunner corner kick.

DBU played stronger in the second half. The Patriots increased their shot total from 4 to 6 in the game's second period and allowed only 1 shot in the second half after the Roadrunners took 7 attempts in the first. Six of DBU's 7 corner kicks came in the final 45 minutes. 


THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
 - Three freshmen started for the Patriots, and five others came on as substitutes. 
 - Both of DBU's shots on goal came from freshmen - Summerlyn Heller (33:16) and Abigail Olmos (45:19).
 - Coach Michelle Lenard sent ten total substitutes in over the course of the game
 

DBU COACH MICHELLE LENARD ON A SLOW START
"We were nervous, and I think that it showed. Not only did we have some freshmen starting, we also had some players who maybe didn't aply as much last year getting some early minutes. I think we've got to learn to start at a higher tempo with a little more intensity, a little more urgency, early on."

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
5 - Hope Koym made 5 of her 6 saves in the first half
10 - The Patriots took 10 shots to MSU-Denver's 8.
2 - Three Patriots - Heller, Leah Draper, and Jayme Woodfill - took 2 shots apiece.

UP NEXT
The Patriots host Colorado-Colorado Springs at noon Saturday at Patriot Soccer Field.