DURANGO, Colo. – The Colorado State University-Pueblo men's soccer team fell to Fort Lewis College 3-1, Friday at Dirks Field in Durango, Colo.
In a game with big playoff implications, CSU-Pueblo came out slow to start the game. They would pick up the pace after the first twenty minutes and struck first in the 23rd minute, when Matt Marchena (Jr., Forward, Littleton, Colo.) dribbled the ball right at the goalkeeper, firing from five yards out, giving the Pack the 1-0 lead. It is Marchena's fourth goal this season.
CSU-Pueblo held strong the remainder of the first half, holding the Skyhawks scoreless despite trailing 10-5 in shots in the period.
"Fort Lewis came out quick and energized but our guys did well to withstand the pressure," said Pack head coach Roy Stanley. "After the first 20 minutes we did a better job at defending and matching the intensity in a tough environment."
The ThunderWolves opened the second half allowing three shots and one corner kick in the first few minutes for Fort Lewis.
Fort Lewis would tie the game in the 72nd minute and would take the lead just seven minutes later. Both goals for the Skyhawks were by Yannis Becker.
Another goal in the waning minutes gave the home team a 3-1 lead, ultimately putting the game out of reach for the Pack.
"Fort Lewis was a much harder working team than when we played them at our place." added Stanley.
The ThunderWolves were outshot 24-9 in the contest. Fort Lewis also held a 6-1 corner kick advantage.
Pack goalkeeper Sam Haseltine (R-Jr., St. Louis, MO) made ten saves on 24 shots from Fort Lewis.
CSU-Pueblo (3-10, 2-7 RMAC) will return home Sunday to wrap up its home portion of the regular season, when they welcome Adams State University to Pueblo. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., following the women's game.
Admission to the game will be free of charge.
Sunday will also include a pre-game ceremony to honor the three departing seniors. Jon-Michael Krasovic (Sr., Pueblo, Colo.), Jonny Sawyer (Sr., Aurora, Colo.), and Cezar Plascencia (R-Sr., Anchorage, Alaska) each will be recognized for their time while a member of the Pack.
# CSU-Pueblo #
As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Colorado State University – Pueblo competes in 22 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
