LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars took on Colorado Mesa in an RMAC home matchup on Sunday afternoon at Trailblazer Stadium. After an absolute screamer of a goal from distance  off the foot of Gabe Roloff, the Mavericks scored the next three goals to claim a 3-1 victory. 

The two teams started off with a lot of midfield play as they felt each other out and tried to find a way to break through the middle of the field and score. As the Mavericks began to intensify their offensive pressure, CCU stayed resolute on defense as they repelled each attack. Then, a moment of individual brilliance came in the 22nd minute. Gabe Roloff pressured high to try and force a mistake from the CMU backline. He did just that, stealing the ball away and quickly looking towards the goal. Seeing that the keeper had come out of his six yard box to receive a potential pass, Roloff blasted a shot from 45 yards out that rocketed over the goalie and into the back of the net. The stunner shocked the visitors and sent the home bench and crowd into a frenzy. With the brilliant goal giving CCU the lead, the Mavericks fought to level. They did so less than two minutes later as a penalty kick was given that tied the game and sent the teams to the break at 1-1. 

Colorado Mesa wasted little time breaking the tie in the second half, putting a through ball into space for a one-on-one that was finished for the 2-1 advantage. Unfortunately, the Cougars lost Shane Donnelly on a challenge in the 52nd as he was sent off and the hosts went down to 10 men. They fought valiantly despite the man down, as Roloff nearly scored another stunner from distance but saw the shot saved this time around. A late goal from CMU put the visitors in control as they eventually won by a score of 3-1. 

Each keeper made two saves, while Devin Najarro, Silas Hess and Roloff got off shots for their team. 

CCU will return to action at nearby Regis on October 18 in an important RMAC matchup with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.