MSOC | Schaefer Nets First Brace of the Season as Gaels Fall 3-2 to Denver

Wednesday, October 21

Moraga, CA

3:00 PM

Saint Mary's College of California

2-9-5, 0-4-2

Denver

4-7-2, 3-1-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Denver	3	0	3
Saint Mary's (CA)	2	0	2

Highlights

10/21/2026 8:47:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

MORAGA, Calif. — The Saint Mary's men's soccer team fell to first-year West Coast Conference member Denver 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon, despite a strong offensive performance. Luke Schaefer led the way for Saint Mary's, recording his first brace as a Gael to bring his season total to a team-leading six goals. The Gaels outshot the Pioneers 21-11 and set a new season high with 10 shots on goal, but ultimately came up just short against Denver.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Denver came out strong in the opening minutes, finding the back of the net twice within the first 10 minutes to take an early 2-0 lead. Despite the early deficit, Saint Mary's settled into the match and began creating offensive opportunities of its own.

The Gaels eventually broke through in the 32nd minute as Talan Rochelle found Jaydon Whittaker, who perfectly placed a pass to Luke Schaefer just inside the 18-yard box. Shaefer turned and fired a shot into the bottom right corner of the net to cut Denver's lead in half, with Whittaker recording his first assist of the season. Just seven minutes later, Eemil Laamanen moved the ball forward to Schaefer, who used some crafty footwork to create space against his defender before firing a shot into the top right corner of the net to even the score at two in the 39th minute. The Gaels had all the momentum but Denver found a way to respond just before halftime, finding the back of the net in the 45th minute to regain a 3-2 advantage heading into the break.

Saint Mary's continued to apply offensive pressure in the second half, adding eight more shots with four on target, but was unable to find the equalizer. Schaefer led the Gaels with eight total shots, while Cameron Kobey followed with four. On the defensive end, Sam Bentley recorded five saves for the second consecutive match and fourth time this season. Despite the Gaels' offensive efforts, Denver held on for the 3-2 victory.

GAME NOTES

Luke Schaefer recorded his first brace as a Gael, bringing his season total to a team-leading six goals.
Jaydon Whittaker tallied his first assist of the season.
Talan Rochelle recorded his team-leading fourth assist of the season.
Saint Mary's recorded a season-high ten shots on goal.
Sam Bentley finished with five saves for the second consecutive match and fourth time this season.
Full 90-minute efforts came from Whittaker, Kobey, Rafael Suarez, Ryan Firestone, Max Owusu-Antwi, and Laamanen.

LOOKING AHEAD

Saint Mary's will return to action on Sunday, October 25 as they host LMU on Senior Day. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at smcgaels.com/tickets. Additional match information can be found at smcgaels.com.

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