LAKEWOOD, CO- CCU opened their season on Thursday afternoon as they took on RMAC foe South Dakota Mines in a non-conference clash at Trailblazer Stadium. After the Hardrockers scored first, the Cougars responded with a tremendous goal from outside the box as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

SDM came out strong and took an early lead after eight minutes as a shot from the right side of goal found the back of the net. But the Cougars offense continued to press for an equalizer and were rewarded in the 21st as Giovanni Carneiro found Lucas Peruzo, and the Brazilian smashed a screamer from outside the box past the diving keeper to tie things up. The teams battled to a tie at halftime. 

The Cougars got early pressure as Salvador Fernandes and Peruzo got off early shots. The best chance to take the lead came in the 72nd. Bodie Curtis got a head on a cross in the box that was deflected by the keeper. AJ Gamueda then followed the deflection and had a rip from close range, but the goalie made a stellar save to thwart the chance. The teams battled for the lead, but in the end the final whistle blew on a 1-1 draw. 

Peruzo opened the scoring for his team this season as he scored in excellent fashion from outside the box.

CCU continues their season with a tilt against Northwest Nazarene on September 6 at 1 p.m. MST at Victoria Kickers Sports Park.