EMPORIA, Kan. – Colorado State University Pueblo women's soccer struck first Friday afternoon on the road, but Emporia State responded with four unanswered goals to hand the ThunderWolves a 4-1 loss at ESU Pitch.
With the loss, CSU Pueblo moves to 1-3-1 on the season, while Emporia State improves to 2-2-1.
"Today was a tough one. I've been pretty proud of the group in all games up until this point but ultimately today we had an off day as a collective - players and coaches. Credit to our opponent as they took full advantage of that." said Pack Head Coach John Constable. "We will watch the film and learn from today. We will freshen up the team somewhat for Sunday and will strive to put on a far better performance than that."
The Pack wasted little time creating pressure as Abby Menk put a shot on frame just over two minutes into the match. CSU Pueblo broke through in the 16th minute when Menk found the back of the net for her first goal of the season and sixth of her career. Caytlynn Garland picked up the assist on the play to give the ThunderWolves an early 1-0 advantage.
CSU Pueblo continued to hold the lead deep into the opening half before Emporia State pulled even with 2:22 remaining. Leah Oldham scored in the 43rd minute off an assist from Ella Favot to send the match into halftime tied at 1-1.
The Hornets took their first lead of the afternoon shortly after the break when Peyton Pipes scored at the 47:23 mark. Emporia State stretched its advantage to 3-1 in the 56th minute on a goal from Favot before she added another in the 64th minute to complete the scoring.
CSU Pueblo finished the afternoon with eight total shots and put six attempts on goal. Emporia State recorded 18 shots, including 13 on frame, and held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Menk led the Pack with two shots on goal to go along with her first-half goal, while Ruthie Landwehr paced CSU Pueblo with three total shots and put two on frame. Maya Bethelmie and Solange Depirou each added a shot on goal, while Garland recorded the assist on Menk's score.
In goal, Peppi Niemi made seven saves in 69:28 of action before Ella Bulfer entered and stopped both shots she faced over the final 20:32. The ThunderWolves combined for nine saves in the match.
Constable added, "We have had low moments before. The team has usually responded. We will be hoping for the same Sunday versus Newman."
Up Next
The ThunderWolves remain on the road and return to action Sunday when they take on Newman in Wichita, Kansas. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 a.m. (MT).
