Chistensen Leads DU Soccer Into NCAA's Today

(left) Kyle Christensen spent two years in Argentina on a Morman Mission

From: DU Athletics Website & DU Clarion

DAVIS, Calif. – The University of Denver men’s soccer team takes on UC Davis in the First Round of the 2008 NCAA National Tournament at Aggie Soccer Stadium this weekend. The Pioneers kick off against the Aggies on Saturday at 2 p.m. MT.

Denver (10-6-2) makes its second overall NCAA Tournament appearance and first since 1970. The Pioneers earned their first ever Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title and the conference’s automatic national tournament berth this season.

Senior forward Kyle Christensen (Layton, Utah), the MPSF Player of the Year, leads the Pioneers with six goals, including three game-winners, and 15 points. Christensen missed the 2005 & 2006 seasons while on a Morman Mission in Argentina.

The transition from not playing soccer for two full years was difficult for Kyle.

"For those two years, I didn't play at all," Kyle said. "So when I got back and hopped in at spring season, it was bad. I was out of shape, my skills were gone and it took a long time to get it all back."

Everything appears to be back on track now. Besides winning a plethora of awards this season, Kyle was named a Academic All-MPSF selection.

With the restraints of his religion, the Kyle's daily life tends to be much different from many of his peers. As a Mormon, he is not allowed to drink, smoke or swear, among other things, and attends church services every week.

DU coach head Bobby Muus sees Kyle's lifestyle as a good thing: "I think, if anything, it may help some of their teammates to maybe make better decisions in their lives from being around him and seeing the kind of person that he is." [read the full Clarion article about Kyle and his brother Kellen]