ROHNERT PARK, Calif. . – No. 22 University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Sonoma State University drew a scoreless affair to kick off the 2023 fall season Thursday afternoon.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final:  #22 UCCS 0, SSU 0
Records: UCCS (0-0-1, 0-0-0 RMAC), SSU (0-0-1, 0-0-0 CCAA)
Location: Seawolf Soccer Field | Rohnert Park, Calif.
Series: UCCS and SSU draw in their first ever matchup.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 

• UCCS had the more promising chances in the first half, with back-to-back chances from Kelsey Takahashi and Makayla Merlo in the 37^th and 38^th minutes, respectively.
• Sonoma State broke into the final third of UCCS on occasion but never could direct any true danger toward the UCCS goal.
• UCCS finished the first frame with sustained possession in the Sonoma State half, but the Seawolf defense stood their ground to keep the game scoreless at the break.
• UCCS started quickly in the second half as Fie Steenberg and Makayla Merlo collapsed on net, though the chance was saved by Seawolf keeper Claudia Janese.
• Sonoma would counter the pressure in the 52^nd and 53^rd minutes as they earned a corner kick and put a near miss just outside the near post, as Julia Betti chipped the redirect wide.
• Luka Johnson supplied UCCS' most dangerous opportunity as a turnover led to a grade A chance for the Mountain Lions, but the shot was met by the crossbar, the rebound was put back on by a Fie Steenberg but was saved.
• Despite a last gasp effort with back-to-back Sonoma State corner kicks nearly sneaking in, and a ensuing partial Kaitlin Hinkle breakaway, the match culminated in a scoreless draw.

STATS FROM THE DAY

• UCCS outshot SSU 11-7, with the Mountain Lions holding the advantage for shots on goal, 5-3.
• Eight different Mountain Lions took shots during the match, with Makayla Merlo leading the charge, firing a team high three shots, with two being on frame.
• Jade Kinsey, Makayla Merlo, and Sela Freeman all played for the full 90 minutes
• Both teams earned three corner kicks in the second half, with UCCS also earning two in the first frame.

 
BEYOND THE BOX

• Isabella Whitmore, making her UCCS debut, had a solid day making three saves, including one in the dying moments to preserve the draw and clean sheet.
• Just the second time in program history that the Mountain Lions begin the season with a draw. (First was August 30^th, 2018 0-0 vs. DBU)

UP NEXT

• No. 22 UCCS will be back in action Sunday, September 3^rd, as they travel to Hawaii, to take on #14 ranked Hawaii at Hilo. The match will take place at 4 p.m. (MT) on Sunday.

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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. Read Full Article