PUEBLO, Colo. (August 31, 2023) - The Colorado State University Pueblo women's soccer team began the 2023 season with a 1-1 draw against West Texas A&M Thursday at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.

The ThunderWolves scored during the 69th minute when Jerzie Troost (Jr., Phoenix, Ariz.) connected on a free kick from near midfield. Troost's ball sailed high above the field players and hit the cross bar before bouncing over the line for the score.

In the match both, teams came out of the gate with high energy with the ThunderWolves taking the first two shots at the net before the visiting Lady Buffs was able to get possession in their side of the field.

The first half was a physical battle as both teams collected eleven fouls combined and went into the locker room knotted in a scoreless affair.

Through forty-five minutes, West Texas earned one corner and the ThunderWolves fired four shots at the net.

In the second period, WT was able to score a goal during the 58th minute after taking the ball inside the box and following a scramble, the offense was able to place a shot in the back of the goal for the 1-0 lead.

The ThunderWolves continued to battle and after substitutions midway in the period, the play at midfield was a hard fought battle. With the physical battle, the ThunderWolves drew a foul just past midfield into Lady Buffs territory and set up Troost to step in and take the free kick.

With a strong foot on the ball, Troost booted a moonshot that hit the crossbar and went to even and get the Pack on the board.

Over the last twenty minutes, both team exchanged possession and had limited good looks at the goal.

The ThunderWolves gained the ball in WT side of the pitch over the last two minutes and was unable to get off a shot.

Pack goalkeeper Nicole Genis (Sr., San Jose, Costa Rica) made three saves against five total shots by West Texas.

CSU Pueblo (0-0-1) returns to the pitch on Sunday and welcomes Lubbock Christian in a nonconference battle starting at 7 p.m. at Gonzales Stadium.