Grand Junction, Colo. – Fueled by four goals, the No. 11 Colorado Mesa men's soccer team put together their fourth straight shutout in Friday's victory over South Dakota Mines. Three Mavericks scored their first goals of the season, the fourth score being gifted on an own goal by the Hardrockers.
Prior to game time, 12 seniors were honored, all of whom recorded time on the pitch throughout the afternoon.
As a team the Mavericks racked up 23 shots, putting 10 between the frame. The Hardrockers were withheld from taking a shot in the first period, all of their five shots and two on goal coming in the latter half.
Reserve goalkeepers and seniors,
Rhett Cook and
Jordan Greer came away with a save a piece in the win and the combined shutout.
The Mavs did what they do best on offense putting a lot of pressure on goal early, on the brink of breaking through on multiple occasions. If not set back by saves, the Mavericks were called for 13 offside offenses in the 90-minutes.
As one of the seniors honored, it was only fitting that
Demetrio Baldo get in on the scoring, sneaking one in the back door to open the Mavs scoring in the 34
th-minute for his first goal of the season and his career.
In the opening minutes of the second half, a misplayed ball just in front of the goal by a Hardrocker defender gifted CMU its second goal.
In the 66
th-minute, fellow senior
Ramses Atahualpa added to the lead, chipping a ball over the Hardrockers keeper with enough momentum to roll into the twine.
Nick Rizzo rounded out the Maverick senior scorers, netting an absolute banger off from beyond the 18-yard box in the 84
th – minute, ultimately giving CMU its 4-0 final.
Connor Durant didn't see much action in the first half, SDSM not taking a single shot. Cook would come in and gain a save before handing over the duties to Greer who added a save to his name, playing through the final buzzer.
The team will gear up for a big matchup with the Regis Rangers on Sunday, for their last regular season home match. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
