DENVER – University of Denver men’s soccer senior forward Kellan Christensen (Layton, Utah) scored a goal and added an assist, leading the Pioneers to a 3-0 victory over Buffalo on Friday night.

“In the final third (of the field), I thought we were very good,” head coach Bobby Muuss said. “I think we were unlucky not to finish some of those other chances. We’ve worked a long time and put a lot of effort in our final third play, and because of that work I thought we saw some results tonight.”

Christensen provided the Pioneers with their first lead of the season in the 36^th minute on a strike from six yards out that flew past Buffalo goalkeeper Jonathan Viscosi and into the back of the net.  The goal was made possible by a beautiful piece of build-up play, as freshman midfielder Brian Hoyt (Tempe, Ariz.) dribbled down the left side of the field and fed sophomore midfielder Zach Bolden (Denver, Colo.), who then crossed it to Christensen’s feet to set up the goal.

Just seconds before halftime, the Pioneers found some space on the counter attack and took advantage.  Senior forward Matt Kirby (Beaumont, Texas) played a ball from DU’s endline and sent a pass over the head that found freshman forward Christian Volesky (Henderson, Nev.) in stride. Volesky beat a pair of defenders and slid the ball inside the far post to send the Pioneers to the locker room up a pair of goals.   

Junior forward Joe Eubanks (Denver, Colo.) added an insurance goal in the 83^rd minute, his first as a Pioneer. Christensen and junior defender Drew Beckie (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) played the ball back-and-forth up the left side, and Christensen sent a cross to the far side of the box, where Eubanks drilled it past Viscosi.

The Pioneers attack was dominant, as DU led 27-5 in shots and 12-2 in corner kicks.

Junior goalkeeper Maté Aguirre (Centennial, Colo.) made four saves to earn his first career shutout in his first career victory.

Denver returns to CIBER Field on Sunday at 12 p.m. MT, when the Pioneers will take on College of Charleston. The game will be available on Pioneer Vision.

Season and individual tickets are on sale now for the 2011 home season. Season tickets for nine Denver Men’s Soccer games and nine Denver Women’s Soccer games are $72. By purchasing season tickets, fans will enjoy the same centerfield seat, including a comfortable seatback for all 18 games at CIBER Field at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Season tickets are available at DenverPioneers.com or by calling/e-mailing Season Ticket and Premium Seating Manager Eric Vasquez at 303.871.7460.

Individual game tickets during the 2011 season are $8 for a reserved seatback and $5 for general admission, and may be purchased by phone at 303-871-2336, online at DenverPioneers.com or in person at the Ritchie Center Box Office. All individual game tickets are general admission. DU students are free with a Pioneer Card.

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