A Mathew Cox goal 24 minutes into the match was all the University of Colorado Colorado Springs would need on the road as they topped conference foe Colorado Mesa Friday night in Grand Junction.

Even though the Mountain Lions (5-3, 3-1 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) took a more defensive approach to the second half, they managed to finish the evening outshooting the Mavericks (0-7-1, 0-4 RMAC) 11-6. Perhaps more impressive, UCCS managed eight shots on goal compared to Colorado Mesa's two.

The Mountain Lions were without a key offensive fixture in Matt Friesen, as he sat out the match with an injury. UCCS didn't miss a beat however as Brett Drefs took advantage of the situation and lead the attack with four shots on goal.

A UCCS throw in was sent into the box and was misplayed by two Maverick defenders finding its way to Cox, who put it past the keeper to put the Mountain Lions up for good.

"I made a run across the field, I took a gamble," said the sophomore from New Zealand. "Two of their guys went for it and it came right through to me."

The match was the first of a lengthy road trip as the team now heads down to Durango to take on Fort Lewis on Sunday.

"It was a very positive win for us," said Cox. "Traveling five hours, it was good to get up 1-0 and play good defense in the second half."