Men's Soccer 08-09

Tyler Dolanch

Denison scored two goals in the first half and the defense held firm in the second, avoiding a number of near scoring opportunities for Olivet, that resulted in a 2-1 victory for DU in the first day of the Denison Invitational from Barclay-Thomsen Field in Granville.

In the third minute of play Denison's Tyler Dolanch (Monongahela, Pa./Ringgold) gave the Big Red a 1-0 lead after a free kick attempt by Peter Shorten settled five yards in front of the goal.  Dolanch finished off the scoring play and the 1-0 lead would hold until the 30th minute when a Big Red defender was called for a foul inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick for Olivet.

Sophomore forward Mike May would convert the penalty kick to the upper left corner, knotting the match at 1-1. 

Things wouldn't stay tied for long as Denison freshman Preston Wagner (Toronto, Ontario/TASIS) would come up with a steal and serve a ball down field to classmate Ben Peek (Burke, Va./Robinson Secondary) who would convert the game-winning breakaway goal.

Olivet would out shoot the Big Red 15-9 as nine of those shots would come in the second half.  DU goalkeeper Kevin Donahue recorded six saves, with four coming in the second half.  DU defenders also recorded two critical team saves on the night.

Denison improves to 2-1 and will take on Albion College on Sunday (Sept. 7) at 4 p.m.  In today's early match DePauw University knocked off Albion, 2-0.  On Sunday, DePauw will take on Olivet at 1 p.m. with the Big Red-Briton match-up to follow at 4 p.m.