UCCS allows no shots on goal in 1-0 win over Adams State

COLORADO SPRINGS - Brett Drefs' goal in the 48th minute was all the offense the University of Colorado Colorado Springs needed as the Mountain Lions defense pave the way for a 1-0 win over the Adams State Grizzlies Friday evening at Mountain Lion Stadium.

Drefs collected a loose ball at the top of the penalty box and to the left of the goal. He took one touch and deposited it into the upper left hand corner of the net.

"I faked a shot, made a cut and shot with my left foot," said Drefs. "Luckily, it went in."

But it was the UCCS defense that was the story. The Mountain Lions limited Adams State (2-7, 1-6 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) to just three shots, two of which were forced attempts in the final four minutes. None of the Grizzlies shots were on goal, giving UCCS goalkeeper Brandon Costa the rare shutout without a save.

The three shots were the fewest allowed by a UCCS men's soccer team since Aug. 25, 2006, when the Mountain Lions allowed just two shots in a 3-0 win over Dana College.

Defenders Max Thomas, Taylor Ferguson, Colton Brisco and Carlos Verdugo kept the UCCS (6-5, 4-3 RMAC) end clear of traffic on Friday.

"It's been the same back four for a while now," said UCCS coach Henry Ellis. "(They have) very good chemistry, they know where they're going to be, they know when one steps, one covers.

"Carlos, the senior captain on the back line, he's doing a great job with leadership back there."

Offensively, UCCS had its chances. Marc Kocel's penalty kick in the 31st minute was thwarted by Michael Miller's diving save. Drefs' shot in the 55th minute caromed off the crossbar.

"Where we struggled today was finishing in the box," said Ellis. "We had many opportunities - great chances - and we just didn't have that little bite today."

In all, the Mountain Lions launched 24 shots goalward, 10 of which were on frame. Miller stopped nine in an inspired effort.

But it only took the one to win.