DURANGO, Colo. – The Colorado State University Pueblo women's soccer team continued Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play Friday evening, falling 2-0 to Fort Lewis College at Dirks Field in Durango, Colorado.
With the loss, the ThunderWolves fall to 3-7-2 overall and 1-4-1 in RMAC play, while the Skyhawks improve to 8-2-2 overall and 5-2 in conference action.
Fort Lewis controlled much of the offensive possession throughout Friday's contest, outshooting the Pack 19-2, including a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal. Despite the offensive pressure from the Skyhawks, CSU Pueblo goalkeeper Peppi Niemi turned in a solid performance between the posts, recording four saves across 90 minutes of action.
The Skyhawks opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Ann Spence found the back of the net for her second goal of the season. Following a service from Kiana Jamerson, Spence connected on a one-touch shot from approximately 20 yards out, sending the ball into the upper-left corner to give Fort Lewis an early 1-0 advantage.
CSU Pueblo looked to respond just over three minutes later, as Caytlynn Garland registered the Pack's first shot of the evening in the 24th minute. Garland's attempt was on target, but Fort Lewis goalkeeper Trinity Lujan made the save to preserve the one-goal advantage.
The Skyhawks continued to apply pressure throughout the opening 45 minutes, recording 10 first-half shots compared to just one for the ThunderWolves. Niemi came away with a first-half save to help keep CSU Pueblo within striking distance heading into the halftime break.
Fort Lewis wasted little time extending its advantage following intermission, scoring its second goal less than three minutes into the second half.
In the 48th minute, Jenna Salazar delivered an in-swinging corner kick into the penalty area, where Addyson Carpentier connected on a header from approximately six yards out. The goal marked Carpentier's third of the season and pushed the Skyhawks' lead to 2-0.
The ThunderWolves continued battling defensively throughout the remainder of the contest, with Niemi recording three second-half saves to prevent Fort Lewis from adding to its advantage.
CSU Pueblo registered its second shot of the evening in the 75th minute when Abigail Weiss sent an attempt just over the crossbar.
Fort Lewis maintained its offensive pressure down the stretch, tallying nine shots in the second half while holding the Pack to just one attempt over the final 45 minutes.
For CSU Pueblo, Garland and Weiss accounted for the ThunderWolves' two shots, with Garland recording the team's lone shot on goal.
Niemi played all 90 minutes in goal for the Pack, finishing with four saves, while Fort Lewis goalkeeper Trinity Lujan collected one save to earn the shutout.
The Skyhawks also held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks, while the two teams combined for seven fouls in the conference matchup.
Up Next
CSU Pueblo will look to bounce back as the ThunderWolves continue RMAC play. The Pack enters its next contest with a 3-7-2 overall record and a 1-4-1 mark in conference action.
The Pack are back in action on Sunday as they take on UCCS in Colorado Springs at noon.
