LAKEWOOD, CO – It only took one shot. And the Cougars converted that opportunity into another recording setting win.
A late second half goal lifted the Colorado Christian men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory against Regis on Friday afternoon.
With their ninth victory of the season the Cougars assured themselves of a winning record for the second straight season. A first in program history. Colorado Christian is now a 5-0 in home games this season.
Moreover, it is the second straight season the Cougars knocked off the Rangers after ending a 20-year losing streak to their crosstown foes last season.
Colorado Christian is now 9-2 overall with a 3-2 mark in RMAC contests.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The opening half saw a small handful of opportunities as the Cougars put three shots on net via free kick chances. Meanwhile, Regis didn't get a shot on frame but still threatened deep into their offensive third.
Each team had great opportunities during the first 15 minutes of the second half. Silas Hess had a one-on-one opportunity but Copper Erickson blocked aside the shot from about 10 yards out. Moments later Kristian Hooker had a header from six yards out just go over the cross bar then a header opportunity fall right to Cougars goalie Michel Pinoncely. Hooker had another opportunity but his slow rolling shot was kick aside by the Cougars defense before it cross the goal line nearly frame's midway point.
In the 77th minute the stalemate was broken. Silas Hess won a 50/50 ball from 25 yards in front of the goal. He took a volley touch with his right foot that found the back of the net on the right side.
With seven minutes left it looked as if Hooker tied the score but he was called from offside. Over remaining minutes the Rangers continued to press but never were able to get a substantial threat toward the Cougars goal.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Regis held a 14-9 edge for overall shots
- Pinoncely recorded four saves for his first career shutout
- Hess and Liam Lakey each took a team high three shots
UP NEXT: The Cougars complete their three-game homestand on Sunday with a 1:00 p.m. contest against South Dakota Mines.
