The Colorado Christian men's soccer team took to the field Thursday afternoon to open up their 2016 season against the University of Mary. Mary scored two second half goals to defeat the Cougars by a final score of 2-0.
 
CCU played a defensive first half as they were able to limit UM to five shots and only one shot on goal. The offensive attack was strong as well in the first, as the Cougars had several good scoring chances, but were unable to capitalize and put one in the back of the net. Their best chance came when a pass was centered to Nate Flack, but his header attempt sailed just high.
 
In the second half, the Cougs fell victim to some bad luck in the 53^rd minute of the game. While trying to center the ball in their own zone, a CCU defender had his pass deflected and it went right to a UM player at the top of the box, who then placed the ball perfectly out of reach of goalkeeper Brandon Eide and into the back of the net to give them the 1-0 lead. Thirteen minutes later the Marauders scored again, this time on a free kick from about 25 yards out which hit off the side post and deflected into the goal.
 
The loss gives CCU a 0-1-0 record heading into the weekend. They will be back in action on Sunday as they will be facing off against Texas A&M International University. The game will be at Trailblazer Stadium in Lakewood, CO, and it is set to begin at 4PM MST.