GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Using a four-goal second half to dominate the Grizzlies for the second time this season, the Colorado Mesa University Men's Soccer Team ran away with a 5-0 win this morning as they defeated Adams State University at Community Hospital Unity Field.
Battling through the rainy conditions, the Mavericks scored just one goal in the first half of the game before dominating the second half with four goals in the matter of 20 minutes. This win served as the second time the Mavs have beaten Adams State this year, with each of the decisions being 5-0 victories.
Colorado Mesa now sits at 4-4-2 while earning their first win in conference play to own a 1-1-1-1 record. Adams State drops to 1-8-1 overall while remaining defeated in RMAC play at 0-4.
Scoring the five goals for the Mavs were the group of Matteo Bonelli, Manuel Ponce Casas, Daniel Paulsson, Nathan Hernandez and Kamden Kooiman with each of them scoring one goal apiece. Paulsson's goal was his first time scoring this season while both Ponce Casas and Hernandez each sit at five goals to battle for the team lead.
In addition, this was also the third shutout of the season for the squad with the Colorado Mesa defense holding the Grizzlies to just seven shots of offense. Nathan Beck recorded three saves in the goal to raise his season total to 31.
Scoring just once in the first half, the Mavs jumped out to the early 1-0 lead in the 12th minute as Bonelli scored his fourth goal of the season. Bonelli was able to score from inside the penalty area after he received a cross pass from Hernandez who earned the assist on the play.
All four of Bonelli's goals this season have come against Adams State with last time the two teams met having Bonelli record a hat trick.
The first half remained at that 1-0 mark for the following 33 minutes with the Mavs narrowly leading at half despite outshooting the Grizzlies 12-4 and owning eight corner kicks.
It was then in the second half that they began their onslaught as four goals were scored from the 55th to 70th minute.
Ponce Casas scored the first of those goals with his coming in the 55th minute after Colorado Mesa received a free kick opportunity from near the corner. On the free kick, Riccardo Legnante passed it to Ponce Casas near the goal to which he easily flicked in.
Scoring just one minute later in the 56th minute was then Paulsson as he quickly added to the lead on a miscue by the Adams goalkeeper. Paulsson scored from near the sideline and just got his shot past the goalkeeper who veered a bit too far away from the net. Connor Chilson also received the assist on this score after a long pass downfield set up the goal.
Adding another goal in the 56th minute was then Hernandez for the Mavs as he was fouled in the penalty area leading to the team's first PK attempt of the season. Hernandez was successful in his attempt finding the bottom left corner of the net.
Marking down the final goal of the game was Kooiman in the 70th minute with his goal coming on high bouncing shot that went just over the goalkeeper's head. He was aided in his goal by Cain Castellon who earned the assist.
In total, the Mavs outshot the Grizzlies 23-7 in the game while having 13 corner kicks.
Continuing their weekend at home the Mavs now host #9 Fort Lewis College this Sunday for a 2 P.M start. Sunday's game will also have the events of Food Drive Day and First Responders Day with anyone who brings a nonperishable food item being granted free entry into the game. First Responders will be recognized during the game as well and feature a Fire Truck at the field.
