DURANGO, Colo. (September 26, 2024) - The No. 9 ranked Colorado State University Pueblo men's soccer team went on the road to familiar territory Thursday and battled at No. 18 Fort Lewis, playing the Skyhawks to a 2-2 draw behind goals scored in each half for the ThunderWolves at Dirks Field.

Dylan Zavatini (Gr., Santa Catarina, Brazil) put one into the back of the net after he fired a deflected ball off the Fort Lewis goalkeeper during the 17th minute for an early 1-0 lead.

Caio Oliveira (Sr., Espigao d'Oeste, Brazil) delivered a penalty goal in the 88th minute to even the match late.

In the game, CSU Pueblo controlled the ball offensively and registered 18 shots, led by Oliveira's five shots at the net.

Making his season debut between the posts, Pack goalkeeper Tristan Whitlock (R-Jr., Lincoln, Neb.) made two saves against eight shots and four SOG.

How it Happened
The ThunderWolves struck first with the Zavatini goal off another set piece play. Shjon Andrews (Gr., Longmont, Colo.) volleyed the corner kick and the ball deflected off the FLC goalkeeper's gloves, allowing Zavatini to score his first goal of the season.

Throughout the first half, CSU Pueblo's offense kept the pressure on the home team and recorded eight shots and earned four corners in the period.

Andrews led the squad with three shots at intermission.

The Skyhawks got on the board in the 43rd minute after a flurry of shots finally found the back of the net after a loose ball was found by CMU for the tying goal.

The teams played went into the locker room knotted at 1-1.

The second period, CSU Pueblo was called for a foul while the play was inside the 18-yard box and was awarded a penalty in which FLC striker Gabriel Legendre scored the go-ahead goal in the 59th minute.

Midway through the second half, the Pack created a few scoring chances and fired three of ten shots of the half in a three minute span.

Their efforts were rewarded when the ThunderWolves earned a penalty in which Oliveira stepped up and converted his third penalty of the season. He is now 3-for-3 in PKs this season.

Up Next
CSU Pueblo (6-1) will finish nonconference play at home on Sunday and take on No. 5 UCCS starting at 2:30 p.m. at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.