LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars hosted their first conference competition of the season as CSU Pueblo came to town to battle it out. The #8 Thunderwolves and CCU played a hard fought match to the end, but a penalty kick granted in the last 15 seconds of the match was the difference in a 1-0 CSUP victory. 

The offense got going early for CCU as Devin Najarro and Gabe Roloff got off shots quickly. Lucca Casci had a look in the 24th that missed narrowly as the game stayed scoreless. The Thunderwolves ratcheted up their pressure in the last 10 minutes of the half, forcing three saves from keeper Michel Pinoncely as the half ended with a 0-0 scoreline. 

The second half was defensive as both teams sought to break through for the winner. Pinoncely made another strong save in the 69th before Roloff headed a shot on goal on a nice cross that forced a save. The teams battled to the final seconds, when CSU Pueblo was granted a penalty with 15 seconds remaining. The call was very controversial and led to a very tough 1-0 loss in the end. 

Pinoncely was strong with four saves, while Roloff led with a pair of shots. The game got very physical in the second half as the teams combined for 36 fouls. 

Colorado Christian is back at home on October 8 as they host UCCS at 1 p.m. MST.