GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- After a successful finish to their non-conference slate, the Colorado Mesa University men's soccer team will officially begin conference play with two crucial matches against the reigning RMAC champions in UCCS and CSU Pueblo.
Both matches will take place inside Community Hospital Unity Field with the Mavericks taking on the Mountain Lions on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. and then playing the Thunderwolves on Sept. 27 at 12 p.m. The matches will also be streamed on the RMAC Network (paid subscription required) and will have live stats available.
Week in Review
The Mavs closed the non-conference portion of their schedule by facing off against Fort Lewis and Colorado Christian. They battled to a 1-1 draw with the Skyhawks and dominated the Cougars 3-0. Richie Tabares Ochoa scored in both games with Justin Ibrahim and Matteo Bonelli scoring as well. Edoardo Oliveri and Jaxson Dowling also registered assists as well.
Rankings
The Mavs are currently ranked sixth in the South Central region according to a new poll by the United Soccer Coaches. UCCS are ranked first in the region with CSU Pueblo ranked third. Four more RMAC teams are ranked with Regis (Colo.) ranked forth, MSU Denver (#5), Fort Lewis (#8) and Westminster (#9) all rounding out the top ten.
About UCCS
The Mountain Lions come into this match as the reigning RMAC champions and the favorites to win the title once again. However, the Mavs own a 17-9-6 record over the Mountain Lions historically. Last season's match-up saw the Mountain Lions come out on top 2-1. The Mountain Lions are currently ranked second in the country and boast an unbeaten record of 5-0-3 including a draw with last year's national champions in Midwestern State and a win against #17 Regis (CO). They're outscoring their opponents 21-7 with Yohann Fila leading the way with four. Dillon Clarke leads the team in assists with three. Goalkeeper Hugo Sjöberg has made 26 saves and only conceded five goals.
About CSU Pueblo
The Thunderwolves come into this match on an absolute tear, winning every single match they've played so far with a record of 6-0 and are ranked 13th in the country. Nevertheless, the Mavs are 15-8-5 over the Thunderwolves historically. The last time they played was a high-scoring affair as they drew 3-3. They've outscored their opponents 13-2 with Nick Cenek leading the charge with five. Jose Peris Gimeno leads the team in assists with five as well. Goalkeeper Esteban Gonzalez has started every game for the Thunderwolves and has collected 14 saves.
Take a Look Ahead
The Mavs travel to southern Colorado for a two-game slate against Adams State and Fort Lewis. They will first play the Grizzlies on Oct. 2 at 3 p.m. and then play the Skyhawks once again on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.
