After a 9-game-win streak, UCCS men’s soccer lost their first game of the season at the hands of the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks, 3-1, on Oct. 17.
The Thursday night matchup between the Mountain Lions and the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks was a difficult test for UCCS, as they struggled offensively and failed to establish any consistent rhythm. The match was the first time a team had scored more than one goal against UCCS this season.
UCCS entered the match hoping to build on their recent successes, but from the start, they found themselves unable to gain offensive traction. Through the first half, the Mountain Lions had only five total shots, none of which were on target. Their offensive struggles mirrored the Skyhawks, who also found it difficult to break through the Mountain Lions’ defense until late in the first half.
The pivotal moment came in the 43rd minute when Fort Lewis’ Anton Hjalmarsson broke the deadlock. Hjalmarsson managed to outmaneuver two UCCS defenders, creating an open lane in the middle of the field. He capitalized on the opportunity, shooting the ball into the bottom right corner of the Mountain Lions’ goal.
Following the halftime break, the Mountain Lions found themselves unable to shift momentum back in their favor. Fort Lewis, on the other hand, seemed to grow more confident, and their persistent pressure paid off to score two more goals.
The first of these came in the 58th minute when a foul committed by UCCS graduate defender Adin Schwenke inside the penalty box gave Fort Lewis an opportunity to extend their lead.
The Skyhawks delivered a perfectly placed penalty kick into the top right corner of the net, leaving UCCS goalkeeper Soren Russell with no chance of making the save. The Mountain Lions, now trailing by two goals, faced an uphill battle to recover.
Just seven minutes later, Fort Lewis struck again, as a Skyhawks forward found space in the UCCS defense and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net, extending the lead to 3-0 and sealing the outcome of the match.
Despite their efforts, the Mountain Lions struggled to contain Fort Lewis’ attack, and their defense, which had been solid throughout most of the season, appeared vulnerable.
Although UCCS faced a three-goal deficit, they continued to fight. Their persistence was rewarded in the 80th minute when senior midfielder Dani Barajas, one of the team’s most reliable offensive players this season, found the back of the net.
Barajas received a well-placed assist from Gael Hernandez, and with composure, he slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal. The goal was Barajas’ seventh of the season, placing him as sole leader in goals scored in the RMAC and making him a continued bright spot for the team. Barajas and Hernandez were the only two UCCS players who managed to register a shot on goal.
The goal prevented UCCS from being shut out for the second time this season. However, it was too late, as Fort Lewis held on for the 3-1 victory.
While Fort Lewis seemingly dominated the match, the match statistics revealed a more competitive contest in certain areas. Fort Lewis narrowly led UCCS in total shots, registering 16 to UCCS’ 15. However, the more telling statistic was shots on goal, where Fort Lewis outperformed UCCS 8 to 2.
On the defensive side, UCCS goalkeeper Soren Russell made four saves to keep his team within reach, and the team recorded one additional save. Despite these efforts, the Mountain Lions’ defense, which has been a strength throughout much of this season, ultimately struggled to contain the Skyhawks’ attack, particularly in the second half.
Three days later, the Mountain Lions bounced back against Adams State, winning 5-0. Their current record for the season is 10-1-2.
Their next match is this Thursday, Oct. 24, against Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction at 7 p.m. followed by a matchup against Westminster in Salt Lake City on Oct. 27 at 2:30 p.m.