The University of Colorado Colorado Springs women's soccer team claimed the 2023 RMAC Regular Season Title with a victory against Colorado State University Pueblo 1-0 on Wednesday night.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: UCCS 1, CSUP 0
Records: UCCS 12-3-3 (10-1-1 RMAC), CSUP 7-4-6 (5-3-4 RMAC)
Location: Art and Lorraine Gonzales Stadium | Pueblo
Series: UCCS extends their all-time advantage to 16-6-1 over the Thunderwolves
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first half was a slow burn with neither team finding any true traction towards the attacking side. Both teams only combined for six shot attempts in the first half and none of those chances were on net.
- UCCS claimed the only corner kick of the first half, but could not convert, and both teams parted for the locker room with the match scoreless and defense reigning.
- In the second half the offensive momentum picked up for both squads, with UCCS claiming the upper hand. The Mountain Lions fired nine shots and six on net, with the Thunderwolves responding with six shots of their own, of which just one was on frame.
- With the final ten minutes closing in, it seemed like a draw would be the likely outcome, but UCCS midfielder Makayla Merlo had other ideas. Jade Kinsey's service off a free kick just inside of midfield floated into the penalty area where Merlo redirected a header into the top right corner of the net. Flexing her muscles she was surrounded by her teammates, now up 1-0.
- The Thunderwolves had several opportunities to equalize in the final minutes, including a corner kick with less than five minutes on the clock, but couldn't find the net having UCCS hand them just their second home loss of the season.
STATS FROM THE DAY
- The Mountain Lions took less shots overall than the Thunderwolves, but had more shots on net holding the 6-1 advantage in shots on goal.
- UCCS keeper Isabella Whitmore earns her ninth clean sheet of the season.
- The Mountain Lions were not afraid to be physical as they were whistled for seven fouls. The Thunderwolves only gave up one foul, but UCCS cashed in scoring off the free kick.
- UCCS and CSUP both had two cautions as Ashley Bennet and Katie Bean were booked for the Thunderwolves, and Hazel Wright and Fie Steenberg saw yellow for the Mountain Lions.
BEYOND THE BOX
- The Mountain Lions earn their fourth RMAC regular season title in the last five seasons.
- Second time in the last three seasons that UCCS has won ten conference games.
- Isabella Whitmore moves into third all-time in program history for clean sheets with nine. This is her first year at UCCS.
- UCCS earns the number one seed in the RMAC tournament, and will host throughout their run.
UP NEXT
- The Mountain Lions will host Westminster University on Sunday at 1 p.m. for the RMAC Tournament Quarterfinal.
As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics. Learn more at gomountainlions.com.