Pueblo, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com – Oct. 4, 2013)- CSU-Pueblo men's soccer lost 2-1 Friday night against the number one ranked Colorado School of Mines.

Going into the game Mines was ranked first in the RMAC weekly soccer standings with a record of 5-1-1, compared to the ThunderWolves last place standing. On the field, however, the two teams were an even match up, going nearly shot for shot, with four corners each.

The temperature at kickoff was 46 degrees with 25 to 30 mph wind gusts that did play a factor in the game, especially during the second half.

School of Mines got on the scoreboard first with an unassisted goal off a free kick six minutes into the game. They added another score when Chayce Moniz passed to Tesho Akindele at the top of the box to put them up 2-0 going into the half.

"The first goal was a tough one," said head coach Roy Stanley, "But we kept up and we were right in it."

According to Stanley, several players stood out to him on the field, including Jonny Sawyer (Jr., Aurora, Colo.), Rene Chacon (Jr., Pueblo, Colo.) and goalkeeper Sam Haseltine (So., St. Louis, Mo.)

"Sam really stepped up," said Stanley "he had three really big saves, and made some major plays." "All of the guys did, we created good chances."

In the 79th minute, Jonny Sawyer scored the Pack's first and only goal of the night with a penalty kick. CSU-Pueblo went on to lose by a final score of 2-1.

Said Stanley, "We're keeping our heads up and staying positive." "I'm optimistic and proud of these guys, we are a good team, and we're really, really close."

The game kicked off homecoming weekend for CSU-Pueblo, which will host home football and volleyball games Saturday, as well as women's soccer on Sunday afternoon.

Men's soccer will travel to Durango on Saturday to take on Fort Lewis (4-3-1), kickoff is at 3:30pm.