Saturday, September 27
Denver, CO
8:00 PM
Kansas City
4-2-4, 0-1-0
1
at
2
Denver
5-5-0, 1-0-0
1
2
F
Kansas City
0
1
1
Denver
1
1
2
Photo by: Josh Walker
Kansas City Falls to Denver in League-Opening Match
9/27/2025 11:02:00 PM | Men's Soccer
The Roos were able to salvage a goal from Joackim Betina in the final seconds
DENVER, Colo. - A pair of battle-tested teams met face-to-face at Denver Soccer Stadium for the Summit League opener this evening, and the result lived up to the billing. Kansas City (4-2-4, 0-1 Summit) seemingly had the advantage, maintaining possession and earning 15 corners. In the end, it was Denver (5-5, 1-0 Summit) who made its opportunities count, emerging with the 2-1 victory.
The Roos peppered the Pioneer goal in the early going, attempting six shots and forcing Isaac Nehme into a pair saves in the game's first 12 minutes. Mathias Baucher was heavy on the action, placing three shots on frame in the first half, his first three shot attempts of the season.
Denver began to threaten midway through the first, but Marc Popow remained solid, intercepting crosses and making a big save on a shot by Ian Welch in the 28th minute. KC remained consistent, but were unable to take advantage of opportunities and the Pioneers struck first on a 38th minute goal from Bryce Willoughby.
Kansas City's best early opportunity in the second half came in the 65th minute as Elie Kisoka sent a shot that rattled off the left post, missing by mere inches. Denver tacked on another goal just five minutes later on a miscue from the Roos and from there, the Pioneers were able to keep numbers back and make life difficult on KC.
A consolation goal came the Roos' way with just seven seconds remaining in the game when Ethan Schaefer sent a cross into the box that found the foot of Joackim Betina. There was not enough time for an equalizing chance and Denver secured the win.
Kansas City out-shot the Pioneers, 18-8, including a 9-4 advantage in shots on goal. The Roos were also able to earn a season-high 15 corners, limiting Denver to just one. Betina and Schaefer each scored the first points of their KC careers in the loss.
The Roos return to action at home next Saturday, hosting Omaha for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Roos peppered the Pioneer goal in the early going, attempting six shots and forcing Isaac Nehme into a pair saves in the game's first 12 minutes. Mathias Baucher was heavy on the action, placing three shots on frame in the first half, his first three shot attempts of the season.
Denver began to threaten midway through the first, but Marc Popow remained solid, intercepting crosses and making a big save on a shot by Ian Welch in the 28th minute. KC remained consistent, but were unable to take advantage of opportunities and the Pioneers struck first on a 38th minute goal from Bryce Willoughby.
Kansas City's best early opportunity in the second half came in the 65th minute as Elie Kisoka sent a shot that rattled off the left post, missing by mere inches. Denver tacked on another goal just five minutes later on a miscue from the Roos and from there, the Pioneers were able to keep numbers back and make life difficult on KC.
A consolation goal came the Roos' way with just seven seconds remaining in the game when Ethan Schaefer sent a cross into the box that found the foot of Joackim Betina. There was not enough time for an equalizing chance and Denver secured the win.
Kansas City out-shot the Pioneers, 18-8, including a 9-4 advantage in shots on goal. The Roos were also able to earn a season-high 15 corners, limiting Denver to just one. Betina and Schaefer each scored the first points of their KC careers in the loss.
The Roos return to action at home next Saturday, hosting Omaha for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Team Stats
KC
DEN
Goals
1
2
Shots
18
8
Shots on Goal
9
4
Saves
2
8
Corners
15
1
Fouls
10
5
Scoring Plays
Bryce Willoughby (2)
Assisted By: Luke Schultz , Kyle McGowan
GOAL by DEN Willoughby, Bryce Assist by Schultz, Luke and McGowan, Kyle.
37:42
Ian Welch (2)
GOAL by DEN Welch, Ian.
70:17
Joackim Betina (1)
Assisted By: Ethan Schaefer
GOAL by KC Betina, Joackim Assist by Schaefer, Ethan.
89:53
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
3
SOG
2
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
4
SOG
3
Goals
0
Assists
0
fwd
Shots
3
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
MF
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