Finishing vexes men at Regis

DENVER, Colo. -- The “Curse of Sundays” struck once again when the CSU-Pueblo men’s soccer team fell to the Regis Rangers by a score of 1-0.  The men experienced a slight letdown during their second game of the weekend -- something that has happened a few times already this season.  The loss means that the ThunderWolves now find themselves forced to win out to clinch a spot in the RMAC tournament.

Coach Roy Stanley said that, despite the loss, he was really pleased with how his men performed against Regis.  “We outshot them 29-11 and earned seven corners to their one, but we just weren’t sharp in front of goal,” he said.

Stanley pointed not only to the aforementioned statistical advantages, but suggested that his team was more threatening in possession and had outworked the opposition.  “We played attractive, hardworking soccer,” he asserted.

The Rangers were able to get their noses in front in the 52nd minute, and despite the ThunderWolves’ best offensive efforts, were able to hold onto that lead for the duration.

Stanley was adamant that his attacking players were not missing by miles, and pointed out that the Regis keeper was forced in 10 saves.  “We still didn’t test the keeper enough,” he admitted.  “We just need to be a little bit better in that respect,” he said.

Chris Smith (So., Colorado Springs, Colo.), fresh off an RMAC defensive player of the week performance, was forced to make only one save, and will probably pronounce himself unlucky to be on the short side of a 1-0 score line.

Even more unlucky is the fact that despite recently producing two huge wins over Metro State and a fortuitous draw against powerhouse Fort Lewis, the ThunderWolves now find themselves needing to win both games next weekend against quality teams in order to qualify for postseason action.

“We control our own destiny,” said Stanley.  “This wasn’t ugly by any stretch, but we need two wins now.”

The men will search for goals and positive play when they take the field against the Colorado School of Mines on Oct. 31 at 1 p.m.  A win would be the first of two necessary steps towards the RMAC tournament.