Denver, CO – Coming off two strong conference victories, the Cougars traveled to nearby Regis for an anticipated rivalry matchup. A hard fought contest between both sides would ultimately see a second half goal from the Rangers, proving the difference in a 0-1 loss for the Cougars.
Both sides would look to get things going early, Regis immediately putting pressure on the Cougars' back line in the opening minutes.
Campbell Wolfgram would be called into action early, making several key saves to keep the Rangers off the scoreboard. Looking to respond, both
Bodie Curtis and
Kylar Carr would each get shots on target, forcing the hand of the Rangers keeper early on.
The Cougars continued to battle defensively as Regis pushed forward, with Wolfgram keeping the game scoreless through the opening 45 minutes, recording 6 saves just in the opening half. A physical contest, each sides would go into the half 0-0, eager to find the opening goal.
The second half opened with Regis on the front foot, firing off several shots to start the half. Wolfgram would continue to stand tall between the posts, making increasingly impressive saves to keep the Rangers at bay.
The Rangers would find the breakthrough in the 71
st minute, scoring a header off a back post cross to give the Rangers the 0-1 advantage.
Not going down without a fight, the Cougars continued to look to find the equalizer late in the match. Ben Brown would fire a shot on target in the 85
th minute, followed by back to back corners from CCU shortly after to push for the late goal. Unable to find the equalizer, the Rangers would manage to secure the 0-1 victory, handing the Cougars their second conference loss of the year.
Wolfgram would shine in the narrow loss, recording 9 saves and keeping the Cougars in the game throughout the night. The Cougars would manage 4 shots on the night, 3 on target, the physical game seeing 23 total fouls.
Head coach
Caleb Cole commented on the gritty loss, stating, "The team played a strong first half, creating some good chances on set pieces. Second half Regis was direct and played for territory, and the team had to defend in phases. Campbell made several great saves over the course of both halves. Bodie also had a strong match, leading the team in aerial duels. We knew Regis was strong on set pieces and I was proud of the way we defended those both halves. The boys pushed at the end to tie the match but came up short. Tough away game at Regis and the team played hard, and we have to learn and grow from it into Sunday's away match at South Dakota Mines."
The Cougars travel to Rapid City to battle the Hardrockers in a pivotal match, kickoff set for Sunday, October 11
th at 1pm MST.
