DENVER, Colo. – The Gardner Webb (13-4-3) men's soccer team saw its season come to an end on Sunday afternoon, falling to No. 3 Denver (13-3-4) by the final of 3-0 in the second round of the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship.
 
After the first 18 minutes of action went scoreless for both sides, Denver blew the game open with three quick goals in a span of six minutes, starting with a connection in the lower-90 by Ben Smith.
 
The Pioneers then received goals from Keegan Kelly and Trevor Wright following a free kick from 20 yards and a corner kick from the right side.
 
Facing its biggest halftime deficit of the season, Gardner-Webb came out stronger to begin the second 45 as junior forward Elias Khodri registered the first shot on goal for the Runnin' Bulldogs in the 50^th minute, but Issac Nehme ricocheted the ball over the bar and out of harm's way.
 
Junior keeper Alan Horrocks came up with several key saves in the second half to keep the 'Dawgs within striking distance, including a remarkable save in the 58^th minute after Denver's Sam Bassett had a go from 18 yards away.
 
Sophomore defender Max Fisher had the best look at goal for Gardner-Webb just past the hour mark as he got on the end of a corner kick, but his strike was pushed away by Nehme. That proved to be the last real look at goal for the Runnin' Bulldogs as they watched their record-setting season come to an end.