PUEBLO, Colo. – A pair of first-half goals from Maya Bethelmie and Abby Menk helped propel the CSU Pueblo women's soccer team to a 2-1 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory over MSU Denver Friday afternoon at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.
The ThunderWolves (3-5-2, 1-2-1 RMAC) did all of their scoring in the opening 32 minutes and then held off the Roadrunners (2-5-4, 1-3-1 RMAC) in the second half to secure the home conference victory. CSU Pueblo finished the contest with five shots, including three on goal, while MSU Denver recorded eight shots.
CSU Pueblo broke through in the 18th minute when Bethelmie found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Nadia Bailey and Madi Reardon were each credited with assists on the opening tally, giving the Pack an early 1-0 advantage.
The Pack doubled its lead less than 15 minutes later. In the 32nd minute, Menk converted for her second goal of the season off an assist from Ruthie Landwehr, sending CSU Pueblo into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
Despite being outshot 7-3 in the opening 45 minutes, the ThunderWolves made the most of their opportunities while the Pack defense limited MSU Denver to just one shot on goal. Goalkeeper Peppi Niemi turned away the Roadrunners' lone first-half attempt on frame.
MSU Denver cut the deficit in half in the 60th minute on a team goal following a corner kick, making it a 2-1 contest with just over 30 minutes remaining.
From there, the ThunderWolves' defense closed the door. MSU Denver managed only one shot over the entire second half as CSU Pueblo protected its one-goal advantage through the final whistle.
Bethelmie and Menk each finished with two shots and a goal to lead the Pack offensively, while Solange Depirou added CSU Pueblo's other shot on goal.
Niemi played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded one save to earn the victory.
Up Next
CSU Pueblo will look to carry the momentum into another home RMAC matchup Sunday when the ThunderWolves welcome Colorado Christian to Gonzales Stadium for an 11 a.m. matinee.
-PACK-
