DENVER, Colo., - Fighting Leatherneck women's soccer could not pull off the upset Friday night, falling to No. 17 Denver 2-0. The loss puts Western's record at 6-7-1 overall and 1-2-0 in Summit League play.

"All roads go through Denver," said head coach Ted Flogaites. "They are a very, very good team with excellent movement. But I thought we represented ourselves very well, defended like lions and certainly earned respect from the commitment and passion of our performance. I think both goals were preventable and aside from the goals there weren't too many clear cut chances for them. We would be happy to have another chance at them but to do so we will have to earn it over the course of the remaining five matches. Our will to compete is huge and we will learn from tonight's match and continue to improve. This has been a good road trip and positive in many ways. We leave Denver with our heads held high and we were a credit to the Purple and Gold tonight. We still have a lot to play for and we are well aware of that fact. The season is now down to five matches, every one of them vital for a variety of reasons.  Football is at it's best when every match is meaningful in every way and this squad thrives on playing in these kind of matches."

The Leatherneck defense was immediately put under pressure. The Pioneers (11-1-1, 2-0) recorded four shots in the first 10 minutes of the match.

Western Illinois began to settle in and began pushing forward. Laura Mick had two looks at goal, but both of her attempts went wide.

The Pioneers struck first in the 18th minute of play after Kristen Hamilton's shot was saved by Laura Atkinson, but her rebound was put away by Anna Willis.

The defense stood strong, allowing only one of Denver's next five shots in the first half to require a save.

The Pioneers doubled its advantage early in the second half when Francesca Garzelloni finished off a pass from Hamilton.

Western nearly brought the match back to a one goal deficit, but Jennika Myers' shot was saved by Cassidy Rey.

In the 72nd minute, Chrissy Campbell again nearly brought the Leathernecks back into the match but was denied by Amelia Davis, who had come on for Rey in the second half.

Atkinson made nine saves in the match, while the Leatherneck offense recorded five shots.

Western Illinois returns home next weekend to wrap-up non-conference play against Loyola on Friday. The Leathernecks will then look to even up their Summit League record on Sunday against Fort Wayne.

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