Oct. 20, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

DENVER (7-5-0 overall, 5-0-0 MPSF) freshman Jarod Stigall scored two goals, including the game-winner with just over two minutes left in overtime, as the Pioneers got past San Jose State Friday 3-2. Sacramento State was the next victim on Sunday, as Denver stayed perfect in the conference with a 2-1 triumph. Joe Willis registered six saves between the posts. The outcome marked the fifth straight one-goal victory for the Pioneers. In a break from the MPSF, the Pioneers host Alabama A&M Saturday (Oct. 25).

UNLV (8-4-1 overall, 3-2-0 MPSF) scored two goals less than one minute apart early in the second half in a 2-1 win over then first-place New Mexico. Before a record crowd of 1,220 in Las Vegas Friday, sophomore Stephen Sifuentes scored in the 53rd-minute, while sophomore Daniel Cruz put away the 54th-minute eventual game-winner. Senior goalkeeper Hawk Mummey tallied six first half saves. The Rebels are off for two weeks, and will begin the second half of the conference schedule in Albuquerque, once again facing New Mexico on Oct. 31.

SAN JOSE STATE (5-5-3 overall, 1-4-0 MPSF) dropped a tough 3-2 overtime decision to Denver at home Friday, but recovered with its first MPSF win Sunday, 1-0 over Air Force. Junior Nick Cukar scored his fourth goal of the year, assisted by senior Hiroki Akiyama in the 67th-minute, for the game-winner over the Falcons. Akiyama also had a goal in the loss to the Pioneers. SJSU takes this week off, before visiting Denver and Air Force to begin round two in the conference (Oct. 31-Nov. 2).

AIR FORCE (4-9-0 overall, 2-3-0 MPSF) split its Northern California weekend road swing, edging Sacramento State 2-1 Friday, before falling 1-0 at San Jose State Sunday. In the win over the Hornets, the Falcons knocked in goals in the 53rd and 71st minutes to erase a 1-0 deficit. Kevin Rosser dished out the game-tying assist and scored the game-winning goal. Goalkeeper Jim Gullo collected eight saves. Following a bye week, Air Force will host Sacramento State and San Jose State (Oct. 31-Nov. 2).

NEW MEXICO (6-5-2 overall, 3-2-0 MPSF) fell short at UNLV Friday, 2-1, in the lone game of the week. Senior Chris Wright scored in the 81st-minute, assisted by Justin Davis. The Lobos step away from MPSF action this week, hosting Stanford Friday (Oct. 24).

SACRAMENTO STATE (6-6-2 overall, 1-4-0 MPSF) dropped a pair of 2-1 MPSF outcomes at home to Air Force and Denver. The Hornets will get another shot at each team in two weeks (Oct. 31-Nov. 2), following a week off.

CRUZ AND STIGALL MPSF BRINE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Woodland, Calif. - UNLV sophomore forward Daniel Cruz (Glendale, AZ/Ironwood HS) scored the game-winning goal in the Rebels' biggest win of the season Friday. Before a record crowd in Las Vegas, his 54th-minute strike against New Mexico lifted UNLV into second-place with five matches remaining in the conference. Cruz was also the first recipient of this award in '08.

Woodland, Calif. - Denver freshman midfield Jarod Stigall (Plano, TX/Plano West HS) scored two goals, including the game-winner, in a 3-2 overtime win at San Jose State Friday. He tied the game early, then followed up with the golden-goal with 2:11 remaining in the first overtime. The Pioneers stayed perfect in the MPSF this year with two road wins.