LAKEWOOD, CO- It was a beautiful night for soccer as Colorado Christian hosted Texas Permian-Basin in their home opener at Trailblazer Stadium on Thursday evening. In front of a large and boisterous crowd, CCU came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw with a strong second half of play. 

Right from the outset, the offensive energy was there for CCU as they put a shot on goal 30 seconds into the game. The Falcons responded with a shot of their own on goal in the 4th minute, but both keepers played well throughout to make saves and keep their teams in the game. In the 14th minute, the visitors broke after a free kick was deflected right to the foot of a UTPB striker who finished the job with a goal to give her team the lead. Despite a large amount of shots in the first half, CCU went to the break trailing 1-0.

With the amount of shots in the first half (13), one had the sense that eventually something would give. It did in the 71st minute for the Cougars. Skylee Deladurante lined up for a corner from the far side of the field, and a perfectly placed ball was picked up by Jessie Sims who blasted it home for the equalizer. The crowd went wild as the Cougars celebrated their first home goal of the season in their opener. The two teams dialed in defensively from there, but that did not mean that CCU lacked chances. Capri Dewing and Sims put many shots into the box looking for the winner, but in the end the two teams fought to a well played 1-1 draw. 

CCU led the shot battle with 23 total and seven on goal, while keeper Ireland Jeffery was stellar with a trio of saves on the night. 

After an exciting home opener for CCU, they will stay in Colorado for their next matchup at home against Eastern New Mexico University on September 15 at 11 a.m. MST.