Halftime lead doesn't hold for Pack against Regis

DENVER, Colo. - With four games remaining in the season against four of the top six teams in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the CSU-Pueblo men's soccer team needed a win Friday as they trudge forward toward a hopeful playoff spot.

But Regis had other ideas.

The Rangers managed to avenge a September loss to the ThunderWolves, claiming a 3-1 victory and leaving the Pack on the outside looking in the RMAC playoff race.

The ThunderWolves held a 1-0 halftime lead over the Rangers, their first goal coming off a penalty kick by senior Wes Warmack, but Regis opened up in the second half, netting three goals, including a penalty kick of their own.

"We were doing a lot of good things, and we had a few good opportunities in the second half, but we just couldn't finish them," Pack coach Roy Stanley said. "This game was a battle and was very even and competitive the whole way, but we just needed a few special plays on our part to put it away, but that didn't come through."

The loss sends the Pack down to fifth place behind Metro State, Fort Lewis, Colorado Mines and Regis. Following the ThunderWolves' last game, a win over Mines Sunday, there was a three-way tie for third place, but a Mines win Wednesday coupled with Regis' win leaves the Pack clawing for position in a crowded playoff race. The top four teams advance to the RMAC Tournament.

The ThunderWolves will have quite a task in front of them to get back in playoff contention, with conference-leading Metro State awaiting Sunday before closing the season at home next week against Mesa State and Fort Lewis, both of which have defeated the Pack this season.

"You have to classify us as a resilient bunch," Stanley said. "We recognize that we've been playing well, but it's just about missing our chances and we have to overcome that. Our mindset is good and I hope we can respond well and get a win on Sunday."