Jacob Lissek finished his first season as a member of the University of Denver men's soccer team's coaching staff in 2023. Lissek serves as the goalkeeper coach for the Pios.

2023: Denver’s schedule had some of the usual suspects when they once again were tested with one of the top non-conference schedules in the country in 2023, but got a fair few of them at home this time around. Denver opened with a 2-0-2 start to the season that included a 3-1 win over then-No. 11 SMU. The Pioneers went on to finish the season-opening six-match homestand unbeaten at 4-0-2.

Denver went 7-0-1 in Summit League regular season play to bring home the program’s ninth regular season title since joining the league in 2013.

Kansas City came from behind to beat the Pios in penalties in the Summit League Tournament, but the Pioneers rebounded with a 2-1 win against LIU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium before being asked to return to No. 6 SMU in the second round. The Pios comeback fell just short, falling 2-1 despite peppering the goal in the final minutes.

Denver put 10 student-athletes on the All-Summit League teams, including Sam Bassett earning Midfielder of the Year, Jason Belloli being named the Defensive Player of the Year and Isaac Nehme being named the Goalkeeper of the Year.  

The Pioneers put three student-athletes on the USC All-Region Team, and Sam Bassett was named a Second Team All-America pick, Denver’s first honoree since 2018. Bassett was the third different honoree under Franks, joining Reagan Dunk (2015/2016) and Andre Shinyashiki (2018). Jason Belloli was named a CSC First Team Academic All-American for his work on the field and in the classroom.

A native of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Lissek spent time playing for USL sides Hartford Athletic, Charlotte Independence, OKC Energy FC, and Penn FC, while also spending one season playing for MLS team FC Dallas. 

Prior to starting his professional career in 2015, Lissek was a standout goalkeeper at Fairleigh Dickinson from 2010-13. As a four-year starter, he led the Knights to a 39-21-12 record and was part of a team that won the NEC Championship and reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament in 2012.

Lissek currently holds the Knights’ all-time career record for shutouts with 26. In addition, he was an NSCAA All-North Atlantic Region Third Team selection his junior year and a two-time member of the NEC All-Tournament Team during his career.

Lissek graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson in 2014 with a degree in management.

Lissek attended Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado where he earned three letters in goal for Coach Henning. He was also named Colorado 4A Goalie of the Year in 2009, winning the state title in 2008 and finishing as a runner-up in 2009 as captain. Lissek set the school records for most shutouts and most wins.