Box Score OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha men's soccer team erupted for two goals in less than three minutes late in the first half and then used strong defensive play as they defeated Denver 3-1 in Summit League play, Saturday evening at Caniglia Field.
Nick Miller and Jordan Gealy each scored a goal for the Mavericks during a span of 2:44 to close out the first half.
Omaha improves to 6-4-2 overall and 2-1-1 in Summit League play. Denver, the defending Summit League champions, drops to 8-6-1 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play.
Omaha netted the contest's first goal at 36:26. Mark Moulton lofted a corner kick into the penalty area which found the head of Vance Rookwood. Rookwood's header was cleared off the goal line, before it found the head of Nick Miller. Miller calmly placed the rebound into the back of the net to give Omaha a 1-0 lead.
Less than three minutes later, Omaha doubled its lead. Mark Moulton connected a pass with Xavier Gomez. Gomez chipped a pass to Jordan Gealy. Gealy calmly headed the ball into the goal. The goal was the first of Gealy's career at Omaha.
In the closing moments of the first half, Denver nearly added a goal. Denver's Teddy Mullin played a corner kick to Kortne Ford. Ford's shot from inside the six yard box hit the cross bar and bounced to Sam Hamilton. Hamilton's shot was saved by Maverick goalkeeper Joseph Ghitis as the half ended.
In the second half, Omaha stretched the lead to 3-0 off a spectacular goal by Mark Moulton. Nick Miller played a ball behind the Pioneer defense. Mouton beat his defender to the top of the 18 yard box. He then chipped his shot over Denver keeper Ryan Massey and off the right post for the game's third goal.
Denver's Reid Hukari finally put his team on the scoreboard in the 80th minute as his shot beat Omaha goalkeeper Joseph Ghitis.
Omaha continued its pressure and came close to adding to its lead late in the game. Mark Moulton's shot with less than five minutes left in the game was blocked by Denver.
Omaha held a slight edge in shots 14-13 and each team had five corner kicks.
Goalkeeper Joseph Ghitis made six saves in the victory.
Omaha hosts Drake University in a non-conference match on Tuesday, October 28. Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Caniglia Field.
