ALAMOSA, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Oct. 19, 2012) - Coming into Friday's game against Adams State, the defense for the ThunderWolves had been great. Carrying a three-game shutout streak and a hot goalkeeper, all the Pack needed was goals to pick up a crucial win at Adams State. Goals were indeed scored as the Pack defeated the Grizzlies, 2-0 to pick up three points in a tight playoff race.
The defense and most importantly, the hottest goalkeeper in the conference, Patrick Markis (Sr., Tempe, Ariz.) again playing in full form, picking up a fourth consecutive shutout. The shutout streak of four games is a new team record and Markis, with a two save effort, extends the team's shutout streak to 426 minutes.
As good as the defense has been, the Pack has been looking for the one goal to end a scoreless drought that has extended as long as the shutout streak has been preserved.
The goal to end the drought came in the second half from Brandon Herre (Jr., Colorado Springs, Colo.). Herre received a diagonal pass from Sam Glawe (Fr., Allen, Texas) that he would finish at the left side of the goal to give the Pack the go-ahead goal.
"It was great for Herre to get on the points board," coach Roy Stanley said. "He does all the dirty work in the midfield, so it was great to see him get the game-winner."
With a strong defense and a hot keeper, one goal would be all the Pack would need to pick up three crucial points in the race for the final spot in the RMAC playoffs.
Looking to put away the Grizzlies for good and preserve the win, the Pack would add an insurance goal at 86:41 from the teams leading-scorer Jonny Sawyer (So., Aurora, Colo.). Sawyers goal came after an assist from Mountan Mitchell (RFr., Kailua, Hawaii) as the Pack closed out their final road trip of the season.
The goal was also the sixth of the season which is tied for eighth in the conference.
"We tended to create more chances after the first 20 minutes," coach Stanley said. "We stuck to it and guys played more penetrating balls in the second half."
The Pack dominated offensively, outshooting the Grizzlies 17-6 and earning seven corner kicks to Adam States one.
The Pack returns home to play Fort Lewis at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
The game will be apart of "Pink Week", in which CSU-Pueblo Athletics will raise funds locally for cancer awareness, benefitting the St. Mary-Corwin Breast Center for Excellence. Both the men's and women's team host their third annual "Kickin' Cancer" event.
