Falcon Lacrosse Falls at Denver, 11-4, in Season Opener

DENVER, Colo. - Air Force fell to the 8^th-ranked University of Denver, 11-4, Saturday afternoon in the season-opener hosted at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. Sophomore goalkeeper Braden Host registered a career-high 17 saves in the defensive effort.

Ball management was a significant factor of the Falcons going quiet in the first quarter, giving up five goals while committing six turnovers, four of which came before the Falcons attempted a shot. Air Force struggled to connect passes at the midfield and continued to struggle while setting up plays in the offensive third of the field. The Falcons committed 16 turnovers on the game, 10 came in the first half.

Sophomore Matthew O'Rourk was the first to light up Air Force's side of the scoreboard via an assist from freshman teammate Brenden Crouse at the 12:51 mark. Just over two-minutes later, Crouse shook a defender and charged into the Pios' box, ripping a shot to the mid-shelf for Air Force's second goal of the game.

At the half, Denver led Air Force 6-2. The disparity in shots was 26-9 in favor of the Pioneers.

O'Rourk and co-team captain Brandon Jones added Air Force's final goals of the game late in the third quarter. O'Rourk netted his second via a feed from Trey Lervick at the 4:28 mark. Jones struck with 25-seconds remaining in the quarter, taking the ball down centerfield for a long-pole launch into the back of the net from 25-yards straight out. By that time, Denver managed to build a 10-4 lead over the Falcons. They added one more goal before the end of regulation.

Air Force struggled at face off all game, winning only 4-of-19 attempts, as well as giving up a perfect 7-7 third quarter to freshman face off specialist Brett Boos. Denver was also more active in their offense, nearly doubling the Falcons' shot count, 49-25. The Pioneers put 28 shots on Air Forces frame while the Falcons took 14 shots on goal. O'Rourk led the Falcons with five shots, two on goal.

Despite the loss, sophomore goalkeeper Braden Host had a career night, registering six saves in two quarters and 17 on the day.

Ellis Geis led the Pioneers with three goals from six shots. Jack Hannah recorded a game-high three assists while adding a goal of his own.

Up next, Air Force opens the home slate against Marist, at noon MT, Saturday, Feb. 16, at Falcon Stadium, USAFA. The last time the teams met (2018), Air Force downed Marist, 8-7, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The Falcons lead the Red Foxes in the all-time series, 3-2.

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