UCCS men’s soccer breezes past Regis in 3-1 victory
After not losing a game for nearly a month, the Mountain Lions’ highly anticipated matchup against the Regis Rangers drew a big crowd to start their two-game homestand, with UCCS hoping to improve their record once again.
Rangers forward Kristian Hooker scored the game’s first goal in the 28th minute, giving Regis an opening 1-0 lead.
The Mountain Lions attempted to answer back with a goal, but their two shots on goal in the first half were deemed futile as the Rangers goalkeeper blocked both shots. The first half ended with the Rangers in the lead by the same margin.
Within the first five minutes of the second half, Mountain Lions senior forward Kolby Raineri was able to curl a shot in the top right corner of the net, evening out the score, 1-1. Almost immediately after Raineri’s goal, the Mountain Lions rallied together on offense to score another goal, this time from graduate student forward Marvin Putu off an assist from Raineri. The two goals were less than three minutes apart in the 49th and 52nd minutes.
Both teams shared possession about equally for the majority of the second half. However, the Mountain Lions penetrated the Rangers’ defense for the third time in the 79th minute with a pass from Mountain Lions’ freshman defender Miles Seminario. The through ball found its way to sophomore forward Komil Khatamov who sent the ball into the goal for the deciding score, sealing the game for UCCS, 3-1.
This was the Mountain Lions’ eighth consecutive game without a loss, and their fourth win in five matches. UCCS has also only allowed four goals all season, leading the RMAC in saves and goals allowed.
LeDoux, Mountain Lions tear up Yellow Jackets
Looking for their fourth win in six matches, the Mountain Lions’ women’s soccer squad faced off against the Yellow Jackets of Black Hills State University.
This match was a struggle for Black Hills State both offensively and defensively. The Mountain Lions played solid offense against their opponents. Sophomore forward Jadyn LeDoux struck the opening goal off a pinpoint cross from redshirt senior midfielder Fabiola Estrada in the 38th minute.
A minute following the Yellow Jackets’ first attempt at a goal, LeDoux scored again. Freshman forward Jessica Rockwell facilitated a through ball, hitting LeDoux at the perfect position to knock her second goal in, pushing the Mountain Lions’ lead to 2-0 at half-time.
The Yellow Jackets conceded another goal early in the second half when LeDoux scored again, making quick work of a rebound that came off the crossbar. Black Hills State were able to stand their ground up until the 60th minute when LeDoux beat the goalkeeper on a one-on-one duel for her fourth goal of the match, setting a new career-high in a single contest.
Just a few moments after the goal, freshman midfielder Emily Aguilar chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to push the Mountain Lions’ lead to 5-0. UCCS’ defense proved strong throughout the match and only allowed one shot in the second half.
This marked the Mountain Lions’ third straight game without a loss. UCCS will attempt to continue that streak at the annual homecoming Storm the Stadium match against Colorado School of Mines. The match will take place at Mountain Lion Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 2:30 p.m.
