Clinton, N.Y. – Senior defender
Liam Walsh scored in the 67th minute to lift Denison Big Red men's soccer to a 1-0 win over Plattsburgh State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Withiam Field. It was the Big Red's third straight NCAA first-round win, and moves them to 4-8 all-time in first-round matches.
Denison controlled the first half but couldn't find a goal. The Big Red out-shot Plattsburgh State 7-3 and earned six corner kicks before halftime, but a penalty kick by senior midfielder
Miles Crosser in the 40th minute was saved. The match stayed scoreless into the second half.
Walsh broke through at 66:19 for his first goal of the season. His unassisted goal was the only one of the match. Sophomore goalkeeper
Alex Provost then held the lead, making four of his five saves in the second half to preserve the shutout. Plattsburgh State finished with a red card in the final seconds.
Denison finished with a 11-8 edge in shots and a 9-3 edge in corner kicks, and each team put five shots on goal. Junior defender
Kaden Kist led the Big Red with four shots.
The Big Red improve to 13-1-6 on the season and extend their win streak to eight games. They have gone 14 straight matches without a loss and have recorded 10 shutouts this season.
Denison advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where it will face host Hamilton Sunday, November 15, at 1 p.m. at Love Field.
