One mistake was all it took to turn what looked like the Mountain Lions' match into a 3-0 loss to the Metro State Roadrunners.

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs dominated the first 30 minutes of Friday's match. One mistake, and the subsequent consequences of that mistake, turned the match into what looked on the scoreboard like a rout.

Metro State's Wynne Mason capitalized on a defensive miscommunication, gathered the ball 30 yards out and scored on a breakaway in the 31st minute.

That miscommunication had far-reaching effects. After falling behind by a goal the Mountain Lions were forced to push a defender into the attack.

"Once we push that guy up, it's hard for us to transition smoothly," said UCCS junior Jeff Bettner. "We either play too much offense or too much defense. We need to find that happy medium."

The Roadrunner offense was able to exploit the shorthanded Mountain Lion defense and notched their second goal of the match in the 52nd minute.

Antonio Porras sent a long through ball to a streaking Shaun Elbaum who was able to collect the ball and take a shoot. Mountain Lion goalkeeper Isaac Kostrow (3-6-1) was in postion but was unable to hold on for the save.

The Roadrunners scored their third and final goal just 41 seconds later when Porras got a goal of his own. Jimmy Kunclrs sent a crossing pass in front of the Mountain Lions' goal. Mason was able to deflect the ball out to Porras at the top of the penatly box. Porras gathered the ball and buried it in the back of the net.

The Mountain Lions were able to put plenty of pressure on Roadrunner goalkeeper Jordan Ivey (3-0-1) who ended the match with nine saves, two of which coming in the closing minutes.

Seth Bird wrestled the ball away from the Roadrunner defense and sent a shot to the near post. Ivey got his fingers on it and the ball found the post. Brandon Best gathered the rebound and took a quick shot. Ivey was able to recover to make the diving save.

The Mountain Lions (6-10-1, 2-6-1 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) have been shut out in their past three matches, all at home. Itâ€TMs the first time since 1990 that UCCS has suffered three straight home shutouts.

UCCS is now 0-10-1 when its opponent scores first.

Metro State improved to (11-4-1, 7-2 RMAC)with the win.

The UCCS loss, combined with Colorado State-Pueblo's win over Regis on Friday, puts the Mountain Lions eight points behind CSU-Pueblo in the standings with only three matches remaining. Since three points are awarded for a win and one for a tie, UCCS must win all three remaining contests and hope the Thunderwolves lose all three in order to make the RMAC playoffs.