SAN ANTONIO, Tex. (November 19, 2022) - No. 9 Colorado State University Pueblo men's soccer continued its song and dance in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the program's first trip to the Final Four after the ThunderWolves secured the South Central Regional title, following a 1-0 win over Northwest Nazarene.

The ThunderWolves received a penalty goal from Gabriel Campora in the 87th minute to lift CSU Pueblo over the Nighthawks on a neutral pitch at St. Mary's University.

"Very professional performance from the team tonight," said Pack Head Coach Oliver Twelvetrees. "Nazarene made it very difficult for us to create many clear cut chances, but we kept to the game plan."

Twelvetrees added, "Trying to keep them under pressure and not give up good counter attacks. In the end, Aden O'Hara coming off the bench whose team first attitude represents everything we try to do as a program made a great run taking on three players and winning the penalty."

In the match, CSU Pueblo out shot the Nighthawks 12-4 and the Pack earned nine corner kicks against five by NNU.

Campora led all players with all four of his shots landing on frame.

Through the first half, both teams were scoreless and the Pack had recorded seven shots at the net against two by NNU.

The ThunderWolves controlled possession through most of the first 45 minutes and that trend continued into the second half, with the offense creating several chances at the net.

After battling throughout the second period and the Pack defense holding the Nighthawks to minimal chances in the attacking zone, O'Hara was able to find possession and get the ball inside the penalty box and was awarded the penalty kick with less than three minutes to play in regulation.

Campora was called on to take the PK and was successful on his try and scored his 14th goal of the season to put the Pack on top 1-nil.

Pack goalkeeper Nils Roth had another exceptional match and made one save against four shots by NNU.

"These last two games we have got back to defense excellence and Shjon Andrews and his back line gave up very few chances in the match which was key," added Twelvetrees.

"What a special moment for the program and athletic department. I've been telling everyone how important it is to win a trophy and we got one now and we want more."

CSU Pueblo (18-3-2) will now wait and see where they will be seeded in the NCAA Final Four that will take place Thursday, December 1 in Seattle, Washington. 

Stay tuned to www.gothunderwolves.com for the latest updates and who the Pack will face in the NCAA semifinal match.