Coyote soccer shut out by Denver

After conceding an early goal, the Coyotes (6-9, 1-3) fell to Denver (5-9-1, 2-3) 1-0 Sunday at First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex in Vermillion.

Denver’s junior midfielder Meg Halvorson sunk a shot into the back of the net six minutes into the game for the lone score. 

Despite a strong game on both sides of the ball, with six shots on Denver’s goal and five saves from freshman goalkeeper Bella Alessio, USD failed to mount a comeback.

Sophomore forward Joana Zanin set up a free-kick from the middle left side of the attacking third in the 88th minute. However, Denver’s goalkeeper Brittany Wilson combatted the ball. 

“DU is a good and fast team so we knew we had to be on top of our game when we are defending one-on-one. So we just had to play and be us,” Zanin said.

Soon after, sophomore forward Tiannah Moore narrowly missed a goal, her shot bouncing off the crossbar.

“When the game started we had high energy. Once they scored I felt like our energy and desire to score grew. We had good opportunities, we just couldn’t capitalize on their mistakes,” Zanin said.

The Coyotes continue Summit League action at home Thursday at 3 p.m. against Omaha. The Mavericks are coming off a win against Oral Roberts.

The matchup against Omaha will be the Coyotes annual Pink Game. Fans who attend wearing pink will receive half-price admission to the game.