Numerous chances don't spell success in season-opener

By: Anthony Sandstrom, CSU-Pueblo Athletics

ALAMOSA, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Sept. 3, 2010) - Despite uncorking nearly 30 shots against the Grizzlies Friday, ThunderWolf chances didn't find the back of the net in their season-opener with Adams State, falling 3-1 in a non-conference tussle.

CSU-Pueblo managed to take 25 shots Friday, but put only nine on goal and had one find the back of the net - a high ball by Angela Mendoza (Sr., Oxnard, Calif.) on a feed from Esther Villa (So., El Paso, Tex.) in the game's 38th minute, which knotted the game at one goal apiece.

But Adams State responded with the game-winner just 128 seconds later, and added a goal on a penalty kick in the second half to emerge victorious.

"I really felt that we outplayed them all day long," Pack coach Janet Cassidy said.  "But we just couldn't find the back of the net, and that was obviously the difference."

The Pack got a valiant effort from newcomer and former Adams Stater, Katie Thiebaut (Sr., Pueblo, Colo.), who took nine shots with three coming on goal, but none of her attempts found the back of the net.

CSU-Pueblo will get an immediate opportunity to get this loss out of their minds, as they host Abilene Christian in their home opener at the Rawlings Sports Complex at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon.