The Pioneers (9-3-1) remain at the top of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation standings with an undefeated 5-0 conference record, while Sacramento State falls to 5-9-0 overall and 2-3-0 in the MPSF.

Denver, led by Colin Jones’ two assists, capitalized on set pieces during the match to take a two-goal lead. In the first half, Josh Fallin headed home his second goal of the season in the 36th minute. Collin Audley’s 30-yard free kick was delivered into the Hornets’ penalty box and flicked across the goal by Jones. Fallin stuck the header to the upper corner at the back post, giving Denver a 1-0 lead.

Trailing, Sacramento State continued to create chances. One of the Hornets’ best scoring opportunities came just moments after the first whistle, when Adam Owens'' header missed wide. In the second half, Sacramento State’s Oscar Sandoval was stopped by Denver goalkeeper Joe Willis after Sandoval broke past Denver’s’ back line and produced a one-on-one shot at goal.

In the 62 minute it was again Jones’ creativity in the box that set up Denver’s second goal. His flick across the box after a throw-in, found an open Greg Hiddick, who placed a header to the far post, giving Denver a 2-0 lead.

The Hornets continued to pressure Denver’s goal, taking seven shots in the second half and forcing Willis to make five saves on the afternoon.

Kuckovic finally broke through in the 84th minute. Junior Eli Millan struck a free kick into the box that took a deflection before Kuckovic was able to one-time the loose ball past Willis. It was the first goal that Denver has conceded in five conference matches this

season.

Millan now has a goal and two assists in his last four matches.

Sacramento State will hit the road next week in rematches with Air Force (Friday, Oct. 20) and Denver (Sunday, Oct. 22).