PUEBLO, Colo. (October 22, 2023) - The Colorado State University Pueblo women's soccer team picked up its first win over a Top 10 opponent since 2016 after defeating No. 6 Colorado Mesa 1-0 on Sunday on Senior Day at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.

The win over a ranked opponent comes nearly seven years to the day since their last victory over the top ten. On Oct. 2, 2016, The ThunderWolves beat No. 3 Colorado Mesa 2-0 at home.

With the victory, CSU Pueblo keeps its playoff hopes alive with three games to play in the regular season. Prior to the match, CSU Pueblo honored its departing senior players making their final appearances on the pitch at Gonzales Stadium.

Carlia Johnson (Jr., The Valley, Anguilla) scored her second goal of the season and broke a scoreless game during the 68th minute. Ariadna Membrives Lora (Jr., Sabadell, Barcelona) was credited with an assist on the play. 

In today's match, CSU Pueblo recorded six shots in a defensive battle on the pitch. Ashley Bennett (So., Lakeville, Minn.) finished with two shots to lead the Pack.

Defensively and at midfield, the ThunderWolves limited CMU to seven shots and two landing on goal.

Through the first half, both teams made three shots and zero corners by either side. 

On a day with unusual warm temperatures, both teams battled in a physical match and combined for 19 total fouls.

The ThunderWolves used one of their free kicks to break the scoreless affair when Membrives Lora booted the ball from beyond midfield and through a tight window of defenders, ahead to Johnson who let the ball bounce in front of her and used her knee to push the ball past the diving Maverick goalkeeper.

Over the final 20 minutes, CSU Pueblo's defense and play at the center of the pitch was crucial for the ThunderWolves efforts in keeping the Mavericks off the scoreboard.

The Mavericks made two shots and earned one corner in the final minutes to try and mount a comeback but the Pack had other plans.

With less than seven minutes to play, Pack goalkeeper Nicole Genis (Sr., San Jose, Costa Rica) made her second of two saves to help preserve the shutout.

CSU Pueblo (5-3-6, 3-2-4 RMAC) will next go on the road for matches Thursday at Adams State and Sunday at New Mexico Highlands.