by Owen Godberson
DENVER—The term “rubber match” is typically in reference to the third contest in a rivalry in which each competitor or team has beaten the other once.
This year’s Summit League Championship between Omaha and Denver has the potential to be one of the most thrilling rubber matches in NCAA history, with both programs splitting the last two championships (Denver in 2016 and Omaha in 2017).
The Mavericks are coming into this one with a 7-7-1 record and a 4-1-0 record in conference play. That lone loss came against the Denver Pioneers on September 22, when the two Summit League juggernauts met at Caniglia Field.
That match ended 4-3 in favor of Denver, led by senior forward Andre Shinyashike’s four goal performance. The match had its controversy, when junior defender Seth Rinderknecht was shown a straight red card in the first half followed by his coach, Bob Warming, being ejected late in the match.
That contest, while thrilling, could be dwarfed by tomorrow’s matchup.
For Omaha, it’s a chance to avenge their first ever home defeat to the Pioneers earlier this year. It’s a chance to dethrone Denver in their own backyard and win a conference title away from home.
For Denver, this matchup is about putting down the Maverick uprising that has been ongoing for the last several years. Tomorrow’s championship contest is an opportunity for Denver to prove that they are the dominant team in this conference, and that no one can best them.
One thing is for sure, this will not be the last time these two programs meet for a conference title. But it will set the tone for years to come. If Omaha were to topple the Pioneers, it sends a message to the rest of the league that Denver is far from infallible.
This match is going to be one of the most intriguing contests in this rivalry’s history. Don’t miss it.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. MT/ 4 p.m. CST. Owen Godberson and Harrison Popp will be bringing you all the action on MavRadio.fm.
