LAKEWOOD, CO – This season one goal games have usually been the Colorado Christian's men's soccer team specialty. Today that thin line between winning and losing came out on the wrong end.
Westminster tallied an early second half goal and rode that to a 1-0 victory against the Cougars on Friday afternoon.
In a critical contest for both teams, the victory lifted the Griffins to a RMAC tournament postseason berth while putting Colorado Christian to the brink of postseason elimination. They are now in a situation where they need others teams to help to advance. (RMAC Standings)
HOW IT HAPPENED: In the opening half the visitors looked to have grabbed a 1-0 lead but a Griffins goal was called back due to an offside player. Just before the halftime horn, Kaden Amano broke free and had a one-on-one with Cougar goalie Michel Pinoncely but the Colorado Christian stopper came up with a timely save.
In the 57th minute Karter Cook ended the scoring drought. He took right side from Loic Fauquembergue and headed the ball into the back of the cage.
Despite the one goal deficit the home team was able to put a handful of quality chances when Adrien Diez hit the crossbar twice in the game's final 30 minutes.
The intensity of the contest was turned up significantly in the closing half. During a scuffle in the 72nd minute there were four yellow cards and a red card issued. The final 18-plus minutes of the contest saw Westminster play a man down. Repeated attempts by the Cougars to break the Westminster back line were denied by a solid Griffins defense.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Colorado Christian held an overall shot advantage (16-9)
- Ian Rose made four saves in front of Westminster's goal
- The Cougars are now 9-2 in one-goal games this season
- Westminster now leads the all-time series 12-0
UP NEXT: The Cougars close out the regular season on Sunday by hosting Colorado Mesa at 12 p.m.
