PUEBLO, Colo. (Sept. 6, 2025) - The third-ranked Colorado State University Pueblo men's soccer team secured its first victory of the 2025 season and delivered a milestone moment for first-year Head Coach Nick Blackwell, earning him his first career win at the helm with a 3-0 shutout over Sul Ross State on Saturday afternoon at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.

After a scoreless first half, the ThunderWolves broke through just 84 seconds into the second period. Nick Cenek (Gr., Peoria, Ill.) opened the scoring in the 47th minute, finishing off a build-up assisted by Brandon Sanchez (Jr., Tucson, Ariz.) and Mohammed Shahabodien (Johannesburg, South Africa).

CSU Pueblo doubled its lead in the 64th minute when pressure in the box forced an own goal by the Lobos. The Pack continued to control the pace and sealed the result in the 89th minute as Aran Garza (R-So., Tempe, Ariz.) slotted home his first goal of the season, set up by Sebastian DeMark (Sr., Phoenix, Ariz.).

On the defensive end and in his Pack debut, goalkeeper Esteban Gonzalez (Jr., Brussels, Belgium) stood tall, collecting five second-half saves to preserve the shutout. The ThunderWolves outshot Sul Ross 19-8, with a commanding 13-5 edge in shots on goal.

With the win, CSU Pueblo improves to 1-0-1 on the young season.

Coach Blackwell said of today's performance, "Very happy for the group today and achieving our first milestone of the season. It was amazing to see two of our student-athletes score their first career goals at CSU Pueblo. Really proud of the my players for their effort, energy and commitment to each other throughout preseason."

Blackwell added, "Excited to get back to work on Monday with them and keep growing."

The Pack now turn their attention to the road, as they travel to face Fort Hays state on Thursday in Hays, Kansas. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m. (MT).