Golden, CO – The Cougars took on conference foes Colorado School of Mines Friday evening, traveling to nearby Golden looking to upset a strong Oredigger side. Despite a strong showcase from the Cougars, a second-half penalty kick proved to be the difference as CCU fell 1-0 at Stermole Soccer Stadium.
CCU came out ready to strike in the opening half, creating several chances while keeping Mines off the scoreboard.
Olivia Maxfield recorded two shots on goal in the first half, while
Kayla Truong and
Brooke Dunham also tested the Mines goalkeeper.
Kenzie Kunitz made an early save to keep the game scoreless as both teams headed into halftime tied 0-0.
The Cougars continued to push forward in the second half,
Noelle Mingo and
Sophia Tagge each recording shots as CCU came close to break through with the opening goal. Kunitz came up with another save in the 52nd minute, keeping the game deadlocked through the opening stages of the half.
A foul in the box in the 71st minute resulted in a penalty kick for Mines, with Bella Campos converting to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
CCU continued to push for an equalizer late in the match. Tagge recorded another shot on target in the 89th minute, but the Mines goalkeeper made the save to preserve the shutout.
The Cougars finished the night with 10 shots, including six on goal, while Kunitz made four saves in goal. CCU also earned three corner kicks compared to Mines one. Although a resulting loss, the night saw a strong step forward as the Cougars competed well with one of the top teams in the RMAC.
The Cougars will have one day to rest before being back in action on Sunday against CSU-Pueblo, taking on the Thunderwolves at 11am in Pueblo, CO. An important match for CCU, the Cougars look to break the seal with their first conference win on the road.
