Richardson, Texas- Taking on a talented UT Dallas squad, the Colorado Mesa University men's soccer team began their 2026 campaign with a highly competitive 1-1 draw.
The first half saw little fireworks as both teams tried to get a feel for the game. The Mavs got their first opportunity to create something via a free kick, but nothing came of it.
The first scoring chances were generated by UT Dallas in 12
th and 14
th minutes respectively when Carson Burden had a shot that was blocked and then Parker Bowman's opportunity was dealt with by goalkeeper
Nathan Beck.
CMU's first shot came from
Justin Ibrahim, but it sailed off target.
Kamden Kooiman would also have a shot but that too sailed off target.
Mostafa Hassan would also attempt to score before the 30-minute mark but he too came up empty.
UT Dallas would have a real opportunity to score when Marcel Zouzouambe broke through the defense but was ultimately stopped by Beck. UT Dallas would pick up a pesky yellow after Aaron Pondeca committed an untimely foul. The half would end after some back and forth between the teams and a yellow card by Hassan.Â
The second half would see a lot more action as both teams tried to out-muscle the other. UT Dallas would open the half on the offensive as they registered four shots in the first seven minutes. However, it would be the Mavs who struck first.
A great ball by
Daniel Ehler towards the box allowed Kooiman to get just enough on the next pass which then Richie Tabares-Ochoa capitalized on as he scored the opening goal.
The Mavs would continue to put the pressure on as they put three more shots on goal with one being saved by the Comets' keeper.
The physicality increased as four yellow cards would be given out, two to each team. After some physical play, the Comets were able to find an equalizer in the 85
th minute off the foot of Osi Iyamah. The game would conclude with both teams unable to find a winner as the game would end in a stalemate.
The Mavs totaled nine shots with only two of them on goal while the Comets totaled ten shots with five of them going on goal. Tabares Ochoa would lead the Mavs with two shots on goal. Beck would total four saves on the day as well.Â
The Mavs continue their Texas trip against the defending national champions in Midwestern State. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT (1 p.m. Mountain).
Â
