WOOSTER, Ohio – A one-touch finish in closing minutes of the first half marked the difference as Denison University edged past The College of Wooster men's soccer team 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Carl Dale Memorial Field.

Wooster (4-10-1, 1-5-0 North Coast Athletic Conference) nearly opened the game's scoring in the ninth minute as senior Zachary Mastrich connected on a promising half-volley from nearly 20 yards out as it curved just off frame and out of play.

First-year Max Rochester cuts back against his defender. Rochester finished with a game-high six shots.

Denison (5-7-2, 2-3-1 NCAC) displayed some well-timed passing in their offensive third to earn a solid opportunity in the 35th minute after a near-post flick off a cross found the rising head of Connor O'Neill-Dee, whose attempt sailed just over the bar.

In the 41st minute, sophomore Brandon Kozak delivered a cross from the right flank to a streaking Christian Keiper, who one-timed it off the inside of the left post and into the back of the net for the game-winning goal.

The Fighting Scots came within inches of equalizing in the half's final seconds, as Wooster junior Mouhamet Ndiaye did well to aim a header far-post, but the attempt went just wide.

The Big Red outshot Wooster 9-6 in the opening 45 minutes while holding on to the 1-0 lead going into the halftime break.

Down a goal, the Scots pressed for an equalizer with an increase in intensity to start the second half, but Denison's rearguard held stout to dissipate any major scoring threat.

A bang-bang play in the 75th minute nearly doubled the Big Red's advantage. Max Haupt ripped a knuckling volley over the head of Wooster 'keeper Will Collis from 22 yards out, only to be denied by the underside of the crossbar before being spit back out to the penalty marker, where Kozak sailed the immediate rebound attempt high and out of play.

In the 82nd minute, sophomore Kevin Beck found himself with a first-time opportunity for an equalizer near the center of the 18-yard-box, but his inside-of-the-foot shot fired high.

The Scots outshot Denison 7-6 in the second half, while Denison earned the overall advantage 15-13.

Wooster tallied two corner kicks on the day, compared to six from the Big Red.

First-year Max Rochester finished with a game-high six shots, while Collis finished with one save.

The Scots return to action on Saturday as they play host to Wabash College (8-4-2, 3-1-1 NCAC) at 2:30 p.m.