GUNNISON, Colo.- On a hot Sunday afternoon, the Colorado Mesa University women's soccer team cruised to a 4-0 victory over the Western Colorado Mountaineers. This win extends their shutout streak to six games and their winning streak against the Mountaineers to 13.
The Mavs overwhelmed the Mountaineers defense off the opening whistle as
Mari Ige fired two shots on goal less than 90 seconds into the contest, but both of her shots were saved by the goalkeeper. However, the Mavs retained possesion and went on the offensive once again.
Parker Mairs made a great run down the right side of the field and made a phenomenal pass to
Ellie Duncan, who finished it wonderfully into the top right corner giving the Mavs the early goal.
The Mavs continued to dominate on offense as Duncan and
Olivia Bariao-Arce all got great shots off, but they were saved by the goalkeeper.
The Mountaineers tried to stop the onslaught with a shot of their own but it was dealt with by the tough Mavs defense. For the next six minutes the Mavs proceeded to fire seven more shots with Mairs, Duncan, Bariao-Arce, Ige,
Jenelle Arenibas and
Angelina Kazinec all having looks at goal. Two of their shots were saved while the rest missed the back of the net.
The Mavs mounted the pressure in 17th minute as
Olivia Barrett tried to extend the lead but it was dealt with by the Mountaineers defense. The pressure eventually amounted to another great chance as
Katelyn Romano drove down the field. She breezed by the Mountaineers defense and fired a shot with her left foot. The ball went through the goalkeeper's hands and into the back of the net as the Mavs extended their lead to two.
The Mavs did not let up as
Savanah Miller and Ige tried to add another goal to the total but both were unable to capitalize.
Rose Candelaria kept the Mountaineers goalkeeper busy in the 32nd minute with a shot of her own, but her attempt was saved.
The Mavs had two more attempts at goal from Miller and Romano but both came up short as halftime rolled around with the Mavs firmly in control. They stayed in control as the second half started.
Barrett cut through the middle of the field and played a great ball to Duncan, who once again used her speed to burn past the defense and bury her second goal of the game less than 90 seconds into the half.
Keely Wieczorek made her first save of the match in the 47th minute as she dealt with a Mountaineers shot.
Duncan continued tormenting the Mountaineers defense as she fired another shot on goal that was saved by the goalkeeper. This was not the last time the goalkeeper saw a chance from Duncan as the Mavs went on the attack once again in the 55th minute.
Bariao-Arce made a great pass to Duncan, who once again stayed onside and flew by the Mountaineers. She managed to dribble past the goalkeeper and score her third goal to put the game out of reach.
The Mavs did not let up for the rest of the game as they fired another eight shots to try and get their fifth. Kazinec, Romano, Mairs,
Coral Turner,
Elle Unflat and finally
Sarah Dunn all had chances on goal but all came up empty as the Mavs ended the contest with a dominant 4-0.
The Mavs were unrelenting on both sides of the ball as they outshot the Mountaineers 31-3. Duncan shot six times and scored three, leading the team in both shots and goals. Duncan becomes the first Mav player since Lila Dere on Oct. 23, 2022 to pick up a hat-trick. Barrett, Mairs and Bariao-Arce all racked up assists as well. Wieczorek finished the day with just one save to cap off an all-around dominant performance.
The Mavs return home to play their final nonconference match of the season as they take on the defending national champions Florida Tech on Oct. 2. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. inside Community Hospital Unity Field.
