South Dakota Soccer Tale: Denver’s Challenge on the Summit Stage
As the Denver Pioneers Women’s Soccer team gears up for their pivotal match against St. Thomas, interest and excitement are mounting across the Summit League. This intense competition, scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at South Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, promises a thrilling culmination to the regular season. The stakes are particularly high for Denver, who holds a 7-4-3 record overall and 4-1-0 in league play.
With a history of dominion in the Summit League, Denver has established an impressive 94-17-15 all-time record. Such achievements have not gone unnoticed by South Dakota soccer enthusiasts, who eagerly follow the team’s journey through the league. South Dakota, known for its passionate soccer community, has a vested interest in the outcomes of Summit League matches due to its own team, South Dakota State University (SDSU).
South Dakota State University
In their most recent encounter, Denver managed a narrow 1-0 victory against South Dakota State, thanks to freshman Lilly Lund’s decisive goal. Lund’s performance has captivated fans and pundits alike, marking her as a promising talent in the league.
Rowan LaPiano, a crucial figure in South Dakota’s sports circle, noted the synergy within the Denver team that has kept them in top form. “Denver’s strategy and execution are exemplary. Their ability to maintain clean sheets speaks volumes about their defensive capabilities,” LaPiano remarked.
Redshirt junior goalkeeper Alina Santos is another standout player who contributed to the team’s defensive prowess. Santos, who achieved her fifth clean sheet of the season in the match against South Dakota State, has been called up to the New Zealand Women’s National Team. This is seen as a significant accolade, further highlighting the quality of talent emerging from the Summit League.
Besides local rivalry and pride, there is also a significant amount of crossover in terms of players and sports culture between South Dakota and neighboring states like Minnesota. This dynamic adds an intriguing layer to the matches, as South Dakotans closely watch how their players stack up against regional adversaries.
This upcoming match against St. Thomas also holds strategic significance for Denver. The Pioneers aim to consolidate their position in the Summit League standings, where they currently trail Oral Roberts by a solitary point. Denver’s remarkable 30-point jump to an NCAA RPI ranking of 56—the highest in the Summit League—underscores their strong form this season.
St. Thomas, despite their challenges this season, is not to be underestimated. Led by Mackenzie Jacobson, who boasts impressive statistics with 3 goals, 2 assists, and 8 points, the Tommies are eager for redemption. However, Denver has a commanding edge in the series, having defeated St. Thomas in all previous encounters with an aggregate score of 11-4.
Moreover, St. Thomas’s goalkeeper Olivia Rowe has demonstrated resilience, having made 84 saves—the most in the Summit League this season. Such spirited performances ensure that the clash will be far from predictable.
Denver’s tactical approach for this game involves capitalizing on their recent momentum, having won five of their last six matches. Coach Morgan Engel emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and consistency, particularly in away games.
For South Dakota fans and Summit League followers, this match presents not only an opportunity to witness high-caliber soccer but also a chance to celebrate the growing influence of soccer across the state. South Dakota’s robust soccer community continues to thrive, with youth programs and local leagues fostering new generations of players who look up to regional collegiate stars. The fervor surrounding these collegiate matchups plays a pivotal role in enhancing the state’s soccer culture.
In conclusion, Thursday’s match between Denver and St. Thomas is more than just another league fixture. It embodies the ambitions and competitive spirit of the Summit League and the broader Midwest region. As Denver aims to clinch a top spot, the eyes of South Dakota and the Summit League faithful will be keenly focused on the unfolding drama at South Field.
The outcome of this match will not only define the season trajectory for Denver but will also resonate throughout the Summit League community, especially among South Dakota’s passionate sports supporters.