COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following a strong performance on both ends of the pitch in Colorado State University Pueblo men's soccer's dominant 4-1 home-opening victory over Newman, sophomore defender Pedro Martinez Castro has been named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Defensive Player of the Week, as announced Tuesday by the league office.

The honor is the first RMAC Defensive Player of the Week award of Martinez Castro's career and marks the second consecutive week a ThunderWolf has earned the conference's defensive weekly honor after Jamal Bynum received the award following the opening weekend of the season.

Martinez Castro (So., Langreo, Spain) helped guide the Pack on both sides of the ball Saturday as CSU Pueblo improved to a perfect 3-0 on the season with a 4-1 victory over Newman at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.

The sophomore defender wasted little time making his presence felt, scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute. Jose Peris Gimeno helped create the scoring opportunity and found Martinez Castro, who put the Pack ahead 1-0 at the 9:07 mark.

The goal was Martinez Castro's second of the season after also finding the back of the net in CSU Pueblo's 2-0 victory over Sul Ross State during opening weekend. He finished Saturday's match with two shots, including one on goal.

Along with his offensive contribution, Martinez Castro helped anchor the ThunderWolves' back line as the Pack controlled much of the match. CSU Pueblo limited Newman to just two shots in the opening 45 minutes and carried a 2-0 advantage into halftime.

The Jets finished with 11 total shots and four shots on goal, while CSU Pueblo held a 13-11 advantage in total shots and an 8-4 edge in shots on goal. The ThunderWolves also held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Through the first three matches of the season, Martinez Castro and the CSU Pueblo defense have helped the Pack post two clean sheets and surrender just one goal as the ThunderWolves have opened the year with three consecutive victories.

CSU Pueblo will now have a full week off before returning to action Saturday, Sept. 12, when the ThunderWolves host Hawai'i at Hilo at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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