Women fall at home to Regis

The CSU-Pueblo women’s soccer team dropped a 4-0 home decision to Regis University Friday evening.  A brace of goals from Regis star Carter Cornett helped the Rangers to an early 1-0 record in conference play, while the Thunderwolves’ overall record dropped to 1-3-1.

Coach Dave Morris felt that his team played well despite the statistical one-sidedness of the contest.  “It was frustrating because I thought we played pretty well,” he said.  “We forced them wide, did what we wanted at first, and we had some chances but couldn’t convert.”

The Thunderwolves began the game playing a largely defensive style.  Candice Duffy (Jr., Idaho Falls, Idaho) replaced the injured Rikki Warmack (Jr., Pueblo, Colo.) and started the game as the lone striker.  She had a few looks at balls up the middle and over the top, but neither CSU-Pueblo nor Regis were able to create much offense in the game’s opening ten minutes.  However, the Rangers were able to take the lead in the 14th minute when Cornett drove home from the right side of the CSU-Pueblo goal.

The Thunderwolves soon began to shift more players into attacking roles, and despite spending a good amount of time in possession, CSU-Pueblo surrendered another goal with 15 minutes left in the half.

The Rangers seemed keen to drift crosses into the box after being forced outside by the CSU-Pueblo defense, but that did present the visitors with some opportunity.  Regis hit the far post twice with balls into the box, leaving the Thunderwolf defense scrambling.  Kiley Draper (So., River Falls, Wis.) restored some order near the end of the first half with a perfectly timed tackle, but CSU-Pueblo still entered the break down 2-0.

In the second half, CSU-Pueblo looked set to attack the Regis defense with two strikers, as both Duffy and Sidney Hase (Fr., Woodbury, Minn.) featured up top.  The Thunderwolves saw a scoring chance flutter before their eyes when the Regis keeper made a rash decision to come out to clear a CSU-Pueblo through ball.  The Regis defense was, however, able to collect itself and clear the ball before any CSU-Pueblo attackers could capitalize.

The women witnessed another tense moment when goal keeper Chrissy Mandarich (Sr., Pueblo, Colo.) was injured while collecting a ball, forcing her out for the duration of the game.  CSU-Pueblo then seemed to rally; Duffy worked hard in the final third of the field and was rewarded with a few cracks at goal.  She unleashed one drive at goal that missed by two inches, and later Marli Martin (Sr., West Jordan, Utah) sent a header wide after latching onto a free kick from Kara Morton (So., Thornton, Colo.).

CSU-Pueblo continued to apply pressure, and Ashley Thomas (Sr., Rock Springs, Wyo.) blazed a ball over the crossbar with 16 minutes left to play.  Martin continued to labor in attack and won a corner for the Thunderwolves as time wound down.  Becca Drennan (Jr., Fountain, Colo.) sent a strong effort swerving wide as the Thunderwolves sent players forward, searching for goals.  However, Regis, now up 3-0, found a fourth goal near the end of the game to put the result beyond reach.

Morris was proud of his players’ effort during the game more than anything.  “We’re getting great effort for 70, 75 minutes of every game, and we need to extend that and get results,” he said.  He pointed out that every opponent thus far has been quality, but he is eager to see his team start earning some rewards for their had work.  “The results will come,” he said.

The team will look for a better result on Sunday when the Thunderwolves take on New Mexico Highlands at 1 pm at the Rawlings Complex.