Grand Junction, CO – A vital RMAC matchup on the road between the Cougars and Mavericks saw a 1-1 draw between the two schools. After going down 1-0, a late Ben Brown goal would level CCU, neither side able to find the game winner despite several late chances.
Kick-off saw the hosts apply pressure to the Cougars backline early, managing two shots in just the first 5 minutes.
Oscar Sreckov would look to respond on the Cougars first corner, firing a shot just left of the frame. Although the Mavericks would manage another four shots in the half, it would remain a quiet half for both keepers, neither having to make any saves. Both sides would enter half locked at 0 a piece, unable to find a breakthrough.
Several early fouls to open the second half would set the tone, while Sreckov managed the first shot of the half just wide. Both sides continued to battle for possession, with neither team able to find the back of the net through the opening stages of the half. The breakthrough would come in the 72nd minute, Colorado Mesa's Oliveri managing to slip the ball past Wolfgram for the 1-0 lead.
Determined, the Cougars never let off the gas, searching desperately for the equalizer to keep the game alive. The Cougars would build momentum after the Mavericks goal, managing shot after shot as the clock wound down. Jackson Schroder would nearly level the game with a shot to the upper left corner, forcing the hand of the Mesa keeper in a vital save.
Undeterred, Ben Brown found the breakthrough in the 84
th minute. A long throw from
Dallas Roberts would find the head of
Oscar Sreckov, flicking the ball back post towards Brown. Warding off a defender, Brown would manage to flick the ball around the defender, through the keepers legs for the equalizing goal. This marks Brown's fifth goal of the season, tying him for the team lead in both goals and assists.
Colorado Mesa would come close to finding the lead, notching several shots wide in the final 4 minutes,
Findlay Coleman firing off a shot of his own for the Cougs in the final minute.
Kylar Carr would nearly score on the final play of the game, ripping a shot low and hard to the bottom right post, just missing the frame, nearly pulling away with the game winning goal. The whistle would blow in a 1-1 draw, a strong performance on the road for Colorado Christian.
Head coach
Caleb Cole spoke on the teams resilience, stating, "Playing away in Grand Junction is always tough, and I was proud of the team for earning a point on the road. Coming from behind late in the match was awesome. We knew we would have opportunities on set pieces, and Ben Brown was there at the back post for Oscar's flick on!
This team has been in every match, and to earn a point at Mesa was important. Bodie led the team well at the back and brought a lot of confidence and communication. We have to continue to improve. I think we could have used the ball a bit better, and even so created a lot of good moments second half! Kylar almost scored with just seconds remaining. Proud of the second half push!"
Now 2-5-1 in conference, the Cougars look forward to a must win road game against Westminster. Kick-off set for 12pm MST in Salt Lake City, CCU looks to walk away from their final road game on a high note.
