CLAREMORE, Okla. (September 4, 2015) - The Colorado State University-Pueblo men's soccer team earned its first win of the 2015 season Friday with a 2-1 victory at Rogers State.
Ben Jepson (R-Jr., D, Goshen, Conn.) played a rebound and pass from Connor Marth (So., Mid., Tulsa, Okla.) in the 62nd minute, kicking a slow bouncer from the left side of the net passed a diving goalkeeper for the first goal of the season for the Pack.
"I thought our guys played well tonight for our first game," said Pack head coach Roy Stanley.
"Our guys were a bit slow at communicating to begin but improved as the game went on."
The ThunderWolves started sluggish in getting into any rhythmn, playing to a scoreless game through the first forty-five minutes. The Hillcats carried possession for most of the half, building a 6-2 shot advantage.
Momentum would shift the ThunderWolves' way in the final seconds of the half when goalkeeper Sam Haseltine (R-Sr., St. Louis, Mo.) fought off a penalty kick, keeping the game scoreless.
"Sam made a good play in holding the game scoreless going into halftime," added Stanley.
Beginning the second period the Pack energy was evident from the start, quickly gaining possession and firing off several shots earning three corner kicks in a fifteen minute span.
The flurry of shots allowed for Marth and Jepson to gain possession deep in Hillcat territory and take the one goal lead.
Rogers State tied the game in the 78th minute.
CSU-Pueblo regained the lead for good in the 82nd minute with a goal by Zach Davis (R-So., D, Tucson, Ariz.). Jack Gonzales (R-Sr., D, Centennial, Colo.) was credited with the assist.
Haseltine made four saves at goal on sixteen Hillcat shots.
With the win, marks the first time since 2006 the Pack has won the opening game of the season.
"We will look to build on tonight's game heading into the game against a tough Newman team," Stanley added.
CSU-Pueblo (1-0) will next play Sunday versus Newman University in Wichita, Kan. The game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. kickoff.
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Colorado State University – Pueblo competes in 22 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
