PUEBLO, COLO. (GoThunderWolves.com-Nov. 1, 2013) – Seven consecutive shutouts, not just wins, but shutouts, that's the statistical figure that looms over the Adams State men's soccer team as CSU-Pueblo defeated them for the seventh time in a row Friday at the Rawlings Soccer Complex.
In a dominant performance by the Pack, the Grizzlies fell 1-0 in their last meeting with CSU-Pueblo this year. The ThunderWolves were defensively at their best, as they always are against the Grizzlies. In fact, the Pack has never given up a single score to Adams State in the teams' matchup history.
The first half saw both teams making passes and taking shots, but neither side found the net. Both sides remained scoreless until the 55th minute when Jonny Sawyer (Jr., Aurora, Colo.), scored off a penalty kick to put the Pack up 1-0.
And try as they might, the Grizzlies just couldn't ever catch their footing or gain any sort of momentum against the ThunderWolves. Excellent defense inside the box, combined with consistent net-minding by Sam Haseltine (So., St. Louis, Mo.) made for a frustrating night for their opponents, which was revealed in the physical play and fouls that followed.
Adams State recorded 10 fouls on the night compared to only half of that by the ThunderWolves. That was, however, the only statistical category in which the Grizzlies led. CSU-Pueblo led in both corner shots 11 compared to Adams States five and in shots, with the Pack recording 20 to the Grizzlies five.
"They put up a good battle," said head coach Roy Stanley referring to Adam's State, "We've gained respect for them as a team. But we outplayed them and took the win."
Said Stanley "I'm proud of my team, we haven't thrown in the towel, we're still playing hard." "We will come out Sunday and battle for that win as well."
The Pack will host their final game this Sunday as part of a men and women's soccer double header against the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs. Kickoff for the women will be at noon followed by the men at 2:30pm.
The team will also host parents and family members of players all weekend and will celebrate both "Parent's Day" and "Senior Day" on Sunday.
