PUEBLO, Colo. – Facing their second top-10 ranked opponent of the season, the Colorado Mesa University Men's Soccer Team played to a high-scoring 3-3 tie this afternoon with #7 Colorado State University Pueblo at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.
The Mavericks, who have lost the last two matchups against CSU Pueblo, were able to use a strong offensive attack in the draw today as they now move to 3-4-2 on the season while sitting 0-1-1 in RMAC play. The Thunderwolves remain undefeated still as they are 4-0-6 (0-0-2 RMAC).
Scoring the trio of goals were the group of Nathan Hernandez, Hayes Malone and Manuel Ponce Casas with each of them tabbing one apiece. Hernandez and Ponce Casas have now each totaled four goals this season to lead the squad.
Coming out firing, the Mavs scored two goals quickly into the contest as Hernandez's opening goal came just three minutes into the game. Hernandez was able to score on a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper after receiving a cross pass from Cain Castellon near the corner.
Bolstering on that early lead was then Malone with him scoring just 40 seconds later. Malone's score came on a blocked shot by Hernandez to which he rifled the ricocheted ball in front of him into the top right corner of the net.
Despite being down 2-0 very quickly into the game, the Thunderwolves responded with a goal in the 28th minute to bring the deficit to one. So Nagano was the scorer on that goal with this being the first of his two on the day.
Into half, the Mavs slightly held the shooting advantage at 8-7.
Evening the match up in the 49th minute was Vilchis Leonardo for the Thunderwolves with the match being all square now for the second time of the day.
The following 11 minutes saw both teams pressure for the lead with the Thunderwolves finally scoring for the third time unanswered as Nagano came around again in the 60th minute.
Colorado Mesa trailed for the first time following the score, but didn't see that last long as Ponce Casas scored just three minutes later in the 63rd.
Ponce Casas goal came on a beautiful cross from Kensho Negi, which he recieved from Hernandez who also recorded an assist on the play, as he flicked the ball in from less than five yards out to make the game all even again.
The final 27 minutes saw both teams press hard to evade the draw decision, but strong defense would prevail.
In the end the Pack outshot the Mavs 17-14, but also committed nine fouls to just three for Colorado Mesa. In addition the Thunderwolves finished the game a man down after Leonardo Vilchis recieved his second yellow card in the 69th minute.
Nathan Beck recorded five saves in the net while displaying some superb effort in the late game to rob CSUP of any more goals.
Following today's decision the Mavs now return home this next weekend as they host a pair of RMAC opponents in Adams State University and Fort Lewis College on Friday and Sunday. Tickets and information can be found online at cmumavericks.com/tickets.
