Pack concludes Phoenix road trip with decisive victory
PHOENIX, Ariz. (GoThunderWolves.com - Sep. 2, 2012) - The CSU-Pueblo men's soccer team rebounded in a huge way Sunday night by grabbing a 3-0 win over Saint Martin's University as they conclude their weekend trip to Phoenix.
The Pack controlled possession against Saints most of the night, peppering their goal keeper with 28 total shots, 17 of which were on frame. Fifteen ThunderWolves recorded shots on the evening as the Pack bounced back from a slow offensive night, Friday.
"I have to give credit to the whole team, I think our level of commitment was raised on doing the little things tonight," coach Roy Stanley said. "
Denim Douglas (Jr., Greenville, Texas) recorded the first goal of the season with Jonny Sawyer (So., Aurora, Colo.) being credited with the assist. The goal was also the first of Douglas' career as the Pack looks to replace a huge scoring void left by the departure of All-American Robert Kinsey.
The void didn't seem too big Sunday as the Pack challenged Saints keeper Eric Owen continually throughout the night.
The Pack was able to add two more goals in the second half, the first one coming from the foot of Dustin Geist (Jr., Durango, Colo.). Geist received help from goalkeeper Sam Haseltine (RFr., St. Louis, Mo.) on the goal as he was able to score an assist from the opposite end of the field.
Rene Chacon (So., Pueblo, Colo.) would add an insurance goal at 69:23 in the second half. Talented freshmen Matt Marchena (Fr., Littleton, Colo.) recorded his first career collegiate point on the goal after completing a beautiful pass that sprung Chacon.
"Saint Martin's is a respectable opponent, but I think our depth really helped us tonight," coach Stanley said. "Kick off temperature was close to 100 degrees and ultimately our deeper bench was a big key to us winning."
The ThunderWolves again received solid defensive play as they were able to limit the Saints chances in the attacking part of the field. Haseltine combined with Patrick Markis (Sr., Tempe, Ariz.) to record the shutout.
Sawyer was also key throughout the weekend, as the forward was always around the ball making him a consistent threat on offense.
The Pack will look to build on this performance when they play a pair of road games this upcoming weekend to complete their non-conference schedule. The first game will see the Pack travel to Eastern New Mexico Friday with a 4 p.m. kickoff.
