PUEBLO, CO – Heading into the season finale the Colorado Christian men's soccer team put themselves in position to make program history. And make history is what they did on a windy afternoon.
The Cougars used a strong defense and got the timely goal they needed to register a 1-0 victory against CSU Pueblo. It was CSU Pueblo's first loss of the season.
With the win, Colorado Christian finishes its season with a 6-5 record to notched the program's first winning season. In 1999 the program went 9-9 which was the closest they came to producing a better than .500 winning percentage. Moreover it is the first time since the 2000 season the squad tallied a six-win season.
HOW IT HAPPENED: Despite a pressing offense from the Thunderwolves in the first half, the Colorado Christian would not be broken. The home team held a 6-1 shot edge in the first half but none of the them found the back of the cage.
The Cougars had a golden opportunity turned back in the 47th minute. Dmitri Fabro's penalty kick was saved by Thunderwolves Garret Wild.
After Wild's save, the Cougars Max Collingwood got into the saving business. CSU Pueblo had chances from in-close over the next few minutes but the New Zealand came up with a save each time.
In the 61st minute Larson Hanlin got the game winner with his second free kick of the season. From about 30 yards out Hanlin nailed a perfect shot into the upper ninety on the righthand side of the goal mouth.
The rest of the Cougars stout defense kept CSU Pueblo off the scoreboard. While the home team put shots towards the net, only one was on frame which Collingwood kept from crossing the goal line.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Collingwood made six saves for his third shutout of the season
- It is the second win ever for the Cougars at CSU Pueblo in 16 games
- Each team was issued two yellow cards
UP NEXT: Colorado Christian looks forward to a "normal" fall season in September.
