Two second half goals lead way over Mountain Lions

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (GoThunderWolves.com- Oct. 12, 2011) - Overcoming slow starts has been the forte of the Colorado State University-Pueblo women's soccer team so far this season and the team did just that Wednesday night. After a series of tipped shots the Pack was able to turn the tables to defeat the Mountain Lions 2-1.

The Pack have struggled some on offense this season but at the foot of Gabby Gonzales (Sr., Centennial, Colo.) the Pack took the early lead they needed to stymie the Mountain Lions. Gonzales took a pass from Alicia Irwin (So., North Richland Hills, Tex.) and took a beautiful volley from 20 yards out that beat goalkeeper Kelly Schroeder to the far right corner. 

Playing in front of a hostile crowd of more than 600 fans, the Pack knew an insurance goal would benefit the team down the stretch. 

In the 77' the Pack struck once again this time off the foot of  Alexis DeLaCruz (Fr., San Bernardino, Calif.). The ThunderWolves would force a deep throw in Mountain Lion territory that was handled perfectly by Brittany Kliesen (Fr., Pueblo, Colo.). Kliesen's throw found DeLaCruz who sent another deep shot from 25 yards out to beat Schroeder in a shot reminiscent of the first goal from Gonzales. 

Behind a bend but don't break defense and solid goalkeeping the Pack was able to hold the Mountain Lions scoreless until the 88' when a pass by Kristin Preble sprung Candice Buckles loose for a one on one with the keeper that she would end up finishing. 

Although the goal took away the shutout the goal came too little too late as the Pack would hold on to defeat their uptown rivals. The team improves to 5-7-1 overall and 2-5-1 in RMAC play.

The team returns home Friday when they play host to Metro State. The game is a part of breast cancer awareness month and invites all fans to wear pink for the "Kickin' Cancer" Pink out game. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Rawlings Soccer Complex.