COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 7, 2021) - Colorado State University Pueblo men's soccer started its 2021 spring season on a high note, shutting out University of Colorado Colorado Springs 4-0 in the season opener and Head Coach Oliver Twelvetrees debut.

Four Pack players each scored in the match and senior Nick Burgess (Melbourne, Fla.) totaled three points, scoring a goal and assist for the ThunderWolves.

CSU Pueblo started the game with high intensity and quickly got possession deep in UCCS territory, scoring the first goal of the season in the second minute on a goal by Dominik Huetgens (Jr., Halstenbek, Germany) who received a pass from Burgess, for an early 1-0 lead.

Strong play at midfield throughout the first period by the ThunderWolves helped the defense to maintain the shutout. 

The ThunderWolves added goal number two with less than two minutes remaining in the first half on a Burgess chip in shot.

At intermission, UCCS led 6-4 in shots and 4-2 on corners.

In the 60', Joe O'Sullivan (Sr., Delton, Fla.) scored off a pass by Miguel De Leon (Fr.) and a 3-nil lead.

During the 63rd minute, CSU Pueblo received a second yellow card, resulting in a player disqualification and the Pack having to play one man down the rest of the match.

The ThunderWolves added their fourth goal in the 86th minute by Carlos Espinoza (Sr., Simi Valley, Calif.) when he took a ball from Hudson Gay (Fr., Fort Myers, Fla.) and fired past a diving goalkeeper.

The Pack ended the match with four goals on eight shots.

Pack goalkeeper Joseph Banul (Jr., Richardson, Tex.) made four saves against 17 UCCS shots for his first win of the season.

Coach Comments
"It was great to start the season with the win and clean sheet, said HC Twelvetrees. "I was proud of the lads commitment to defending together and fighting for each other."

"To go down to 10 men and still keep a clean sheet shows their character and work ethic. Some great goals in the attacking end also demonstrated our quality in the final Third."

Twelvetrees added, "We will work hard this week to continue to improve and be ready for our first home game on Friday."

CSU Pueblo (1-0-0) will make their first appearance at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium Friday when they host MSU Denver at 4 p.m. in a nonconference match.