COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The No. 24 University of Colorado Colorado Springs women's soccer team falls in the final minutes to No. 6 Colorado Mesa University Thursday night in Colorado Springs, Colo.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: UCCS 1, CMU 2
Records: UCCS 8-3-3 (6-1-1 RMAC), CMU 12-0-1 (7-0-1 RMAC)
Location: Mountain Lion Stadium | Colorado Springs, Colo.
Series: UCCS trails CMU in the all-time series as the Mavericks improve to 10-7-2 against UCCS.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first half came and went without either team finding the net, but the elite skill of both teams was on display early and often. Both teams traded chances in the first half, but quality defense prevailed as the teams parted for the half scoreless.
- It was the Mavericks that got the scoring started in the 52nd minute, as a deflected cross from Sauvelyne Randal leaked through to the foot of Kyle Wells. Wells didn't hesitate to fire it into the right side of goal, with the Mavericks grabbing the first lead.
- The Mountain Lions restarted play with determination, and it wasn't long until they would grab the equalizer. Just 11 minutes after the opening goal, Fie Steenberg found herself with space on the wing and called her own number. Just outside the penalty area, the Danish forward unleashed a shot to the opposite side of the net, and placed the ball just under the crossbar. Steenberg's unassisted strike was her first of the season and pulled the momentum back to the home team.
- The second half continued to see both teams trade chances as the final minutes closed in with both teams having grade A opportunities to take the extra two points.
- Ultimately it was the Mavericks that would break through, just before the full-time whistle. Sophia Beams made her way down the left wing and sent a chance into the middle and over the head of the Mountain Lion defenders. Abby Fotheringham was waiting as she made sure to stay onside. Fotheringham was ready to seal it as the ball fell towards the right post, and with just 2:18 remaining, the strike would stand as the game-winner.
STATS FROM THE MATCH
- Both sides took their opportunities but the Mavericks narrowly earned the shot advantage, 9-8.
- UCCS keeper Isabella Whitmore was busy in between the posts, as she denied four shots, two in each half.
- The Mountain Lions held the ball for 57 percent of the run of play, with the home squad also grabbing the advantage in corner kicks at 8-2.
- Fie Steenberg netted her first goal of the season.
BEYOND THE BOX
- Colorado Mesa is 2-1 in their last three meetings with UCCS.
- With tonight's loss UCCS is defeated for the first time since Sept. 7th vs Western Oregon.
- UCCS drops to 5-2 at Mountain Lion Stadium on the season.
UP NEXT
- The Mountain Lions return to action on Sunday when they take on Westminster University at 2:30 p.m.
SOCIAL
Twitter - @GoMountainLions
Instagram - @gomountainlions
Facebook – Go Mountain Lions
As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
