LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars started their 2024 campaign at home on Friday as they took on William Jewell College at Trailblazer Stadium. After a scoreless first half, CCU notched a second half goal that was equalized by the Cardinals in an eventual 1-1 draw to start the year. 

The two teams grappled for control and to start on the front foot, and Cole Foresman had the best chance of the first half when he drove a ball on goal that hit the post to deny the Cougars' their first goal of the season. The Cardinals then got off a pair of shots, with CCU keeper Jai Gillespie making the save on one and another going off the post. Shane Donnelly and Lucca Casci both put shots on goal in the later stages of the half, but the William Jewell keeper was up to the task on both attempts as the teams went to the break level at 0-0. 

Colorado Christian struck quickly to start the second half, taking the lead with their first goal of the season. A ball went into the box and a slew of Cougars and Cardinals converged on the ball. With a number of players trying to both clear or put a shot on goal, Caleb Dodge was able to get one past the keeper as the ball bounced into the goal as the team celebrated their lead. Casci had a shot saved by the WJC keeper moments later as the teams continued to battle. An unfortunate turnover in the defensive zone led to an equalizer from the Cardinals with a little over 20 minutes to play as the score stood level at 1-1. Dylan Hall had several shots in the closing minutes, one that went off the woodwork, but in the end neither team could break through again and the final whistle blew with a 1-1 draw. 

The match was evenly played with 10 shots from the Cougars and nine from the Cardinals. Casci led with 2 shots on goal, while Dodge picked up his first goal of the 2024 season to start the scoring on the year for CCU. 

The Cougars will be back in action on September 8 at home as they face off with Emmanuel University (GA) at 9 a.m. MST.