Men lose close one to Mesa State

Despite leading in nearly all statistical categories, the CSU-Pueblo men’s soccer team lacked a cutting edge in front of goal against Mesa State on Friday and lost 2-0.  The result drops the Thunderwolves’ record to 2-3 on the season.

“Obviously, this wasn’t the result we were looking for,” said Coach Roy Stanley. He did however point to some distinct statistical advantages that the men earned during the game: “We outshot them 15 to 11, we had four corners and they didn’t have any.  We certainly created enough opportunities to win this game.”

Stanley said that the team was understandably disappointed by the result, but felt that none of his players performed poorly.  “I don’t think any one of our guys had a bad game,” he said.  “We had great wing play; our outside backs, our forwards, they all created a lot of chances.  We also had a big advantage in possession.  It’s too bad.”

Sophomore scoring threat Robert Kinsey (So., Denver, Colo.) led the Pack with four shots in the game, and winger David Fresquez (Sr., Sante Fe, N.M.) managed three shots.  The Mesa State keeper was forced into eight saves, and according to Stanley, produced the best performance of the game.

Ultimately though, two critical defensive breakdowns doomed the Thunderwolves in Grand Junction.  During one sequence, one extra Thunderwolf touch led to Mesa State regaining possession in the CSU-Pueblo danger area and popping in a goal.  One other defensive miscue -- 52 seconds into the second half, no less -- put the game suitably out of the Thunderwolves’ reach.

The men, as is usually the case, have very little turnaround time during this west slope road trip, and will face powerful Fort Lewis on Sunday.  “It’s going to be a battle,” said Stanley.  Although Fort Lewis is a proven team, Stanley felt his men would be ready for anything, and said that positive results are on the way.  “It’s going to happen for us soon,” he remarked.  “We will be ready.”