Lakewood, CO – A sunny Sunday afternoon saw CCU's second tie of the weekend, playing Fort Hays State level with a 2-2 result. After going down 1-2 in the second half, a late goal from
Kayla Truong would seal one point for the Cougars.
The Cougars entered the game on the front foot, applying pressure to the Tigers backline early. Brook Dunham would get a shot off in just the first 3 minutes, forcing the hand of Fort Hays keeper. Truong and Byrd would each rip shots of their own, looking for the opening goal.
Fort Hays State would break the deadlock first, finding the back of the net half an hour into the game. A cross from the touchline would find the sprinting FHSU forward, just able to touch it past Mares for the 1-0 lead. It would be enough for the halftime lead, neither team scoring in the remaining 15 minutes of the match.
None other than
Alexis Byrd would find the equalizer for the Cougars just 10 minutes into the second half.
Olivia Martin kickstarted the attack, pressing the Tigers backline, winning the ball herself and driving inside. Slipping in a streaking Byrd, Alexis calmly slotted the ball past the keeper into the left side of the net to bring the game back to 1-1.
After the equalizer, both teams responded with increased energy and effort. Several shots from both sides forced the hands of both keepers, desperate to find the late goal. Fort Hays State would continue to fly on the front foot, scoring a goal in the 79
th minute. Despite a terrific Mares first save, the second ball would drop to the Tigers forward to put FHSU up 2-1 with just 10 minutes remaining.
Kayla Truong came to the rescue in the 87
th minute.
Brooke Berens picked up the ball in the midfield, patiently finding Truong just outside of the 18. A quick cruyff past her defender, Truong would curl a left footed shot just inside the post, leaving the Tigers keeper in her tracks as the ball found the back of the net. This marks Truong's first goal as Cougar, a clutch late goal to keep the Cougars unbeaten at home.
With the final whistle blowing 2-2, the Cougars walk away from their home opening weekend with two draws.
Alexis Byrd scored her third goal of the season, with Truong scoring her first, Berens and Martin each adding their first assists to the season.
Now 1-2-3, the Cougars open conference play at home against Colorado Mesa on Friday, September 18
th. A difficult RMAC test, kickoff is set for 10am at Trailblazer Stadium.
