GRAND JUNCTION, Colo- On a rainy evening at Community Hospital Unity Field, the Colorado Mesa University men's soccer team pulled off a signature win as they beat the number two ranked UCCS Mountain Lions 3-2. This win marks the first time the Mavericks have beaten a top five opponent in program history and the first time they've beaten UCCS since 2021.
The game started off in the Mountain Lions' favor as they got two shots on goal just after the second minute, but both were saved by
Nathan Beck. He stayed busy as he made two more saves to keep the Mountain Lions scoreless.
The first shots for the Mavs came from
Edoardo Oliveri as he had two chances in the 14th and 16th minutes but both of his shots missed the crossbar.
Hayes Malone also tried his luck at goal but it was blocked. It didn't take long for the Mavs to get another look.
In the 19th minute, the Mavs received a corner kick which they played short. The ball ended up at the feet of
Richie Tabares Ochoa, where he sent a beautiful ball into the box.
George Jones was on the other end of it as he headed the ball into the bottom right corner, giving the Mavs the lead.
The Mountain Lions continued to put pressure on the Mavs defense as they fired two shots that ultimately came up short. However, the third shot proved to be the charm as they equalized off a Mountain Lions deflection. Both teams attempted to get something going on offense but nothing came of it as the whistle blew for halftime.
The second half saw fireworks right away as the Mountain Lions fired three shots in the first ten minutes but all three fell short, with Beck racking up two more saves. The Mavs got their first opportunity at a second in the 55th minute when they went on the attack.
The Mavs looked to build up play off a throw-in when
Daniel Ehler played a great ball into the box. The ball bounced off a few players before it landed with
Afonso Taborda. He then passed it wide to Malone, who fired a shot past the Mountain Lions goalkeeper to retake the lead for the Mavs.
The Mavs attempted to grab a third when Oliveri got a good look but it was saved by the goalkeeper. The Mountain Lions had a chance to tie it yet again but the shot was too powerful. Tabares Ochoa got two more chances in the 65th but both missed the mark.
The Mavs continued to be on the attack in the 70th minute as they looked to capitalize off another throw-in. Oliveri ended up receiving the ball and carved through the Mountain Lions defense. A shot off his left foot found the back of the net as the Mavs extended their lead to two.
However, the Mavs defense was tested time and time again as the Mountain Lions looked for a miracle. They got a late goal in the 85th minute to cut the lead to one but the Mavs were able to fend off the Mountain Lions' chances as the game ended 3-2.
Despite being outshot 19-10, the Mavs were able to hold the line and pull off the upset. Oliveri led the team in shots with four while him, Malone and Jones all scored. Taborda and Tabares Ochoa both racked up assists as well. Beck finished the night with six saves.
The Mavs continue their home-stand as they take on another ranked team in #13 CSU Pueblo on Sept. 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. inside Community Hospital Unity Field.
