Pack fall 2-0 to Mesa State, lose chance to host playoff game

By Joe Foley, CSU-Pueblo Athletics

PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Oct. 29, 2010) - In a tightly contested Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference soccer match Friday, Colorado State University-Pueblo was defeated by Mesa State College 2-0, ending any hopes of the Pack hosting a home playoff game this season.

The ThunderWolves fell behind early when in the 5th minute, the Mavericks were able to float a header over goalkeeper Jacob Blum (Jr., Peoria, Ariz.). The Mavericks Danny Molineaux was the recipient of a cross from Nathan Poirier to put Mesa State 1-0.

CSU-Pueblo would put pressure on the Mavericks defense constantly throughout the game but were never able to finish a shot. Mesa State goalkeeper Chris Raines would finish with five saves in the shutout.

Mesa State would add cushion to their victory in the 31st minute, when Brandon Burton escaped past a Pack defender leaving a one-on-one between Marco Escobar and Blum only to squeeze past the diving arms of Blum to find Reese Kegans and an open net putting the Mavericks up 2-0.

CSU-Pueblo would make a run to try and even the game but ultimately came up short in the chase. The best chance came in the 78th minute from Jamie Prakhine (Fr., Arvada, Colo.) who created enough space to launch a shot to the upper right corner of the net that appeared to almost beat Raines. Raines would make a diving, highlight reel save to preserve the Mavericks lead.

The game was a fairly physical game ending with a combined 21 fouls and a total of six yellow cards given out. All the cards given came in the last 30 minutes of the game.

The Pack will finish off the regular season sunday at noon against Metro State.