SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – No. 13 Colorado State University Pueblo men's soccer opened Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play on a winning note Thursday evening, earning a 2-1 road victory over Westminster at Dumke Field.
The ThunderWolves received goals from Nick Cenek and João Lutz to improve to 7-0 overall and 1-0 in RMAC play. Westminster fell to 2-4-3 overall and 0-1 in league action.
CSU Pueblo broke through in the 27th minute when Cenek found the back of the net for his team-leading sixth goal of the season. Lutz picked up the assist on the strike, giving the Pack a 1-0 advantage at the 26:33 mark.
The lead lasted just over a minute before Westminster answered. Kasen Smith scored at 27:36 off an assist from Gage Wood to level the match at 1-1, sending the two sides into halftime even.
Coming out of the break, the Pack wasted little time regaining the advantage.
At the 50:33 mark, Lutz stepped up and scored what proved to be the game-winning goal, his first of the season, to put CSU Pueblo back in front 2-1. After assisting on Cenek's opening goal, Lutz finished the night with three points and was involved in both ThunderWolves scores.
From there, the Pack defense protected the one-goal advantage despite increased pressure from the Griffins. Westminster recorded four of its five shots in the second half, but CSU Pueblo goalkeeper Esteban Gonzalez made two saves over the final 45 minutes to preserve the victory. Gonzalez finished the match with two saves while allowing one goal.
The two teams finished even with five shots apiece, while CSU Pueblo put three attempts on goal. Cenek scored on his only shot of the match, while Lutz finished with three shots and Matty Parkes added one shot on goal.
The teams also finished even with three corner kicks apiece. The Pack committed 15 fouls compared to nine by Westminster and was issued three yellow cards.
Up Next
CSU Pueblo remains on the road Sunday when the ThunderWolves travel to Grand Junction to face Colorado Mesa. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
