DURANGO, Colo. – The Regis University Men's Soccer team downed Fort Lewis University (Colo.), who is ranked #14 in the most recent United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, 2-1 on Sunday afternoon. The Rangers improve to 5-2-5 (4-0-0 RMAC), while the Skyhawks 5-1-5 (1-1-1 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Rangers wasted no time getting on the board, as Ignacio Bellina lined up a free kick from 40 feet and bent the kick to sneak in over the hands of the keeper in the upper right corner at 1:04. Jacobo Betancourt-Tavor added another shot on goal a minute later, and in the ninth minute, FLU's first attempt hit the crossbar. The Skyhawks tied the match at 12:04 with an Anton Hjalmarsson goal assisted by Casey Stracher. The Skyhawks took three more shots over the next five minutes, one saved by Greg Squire, but those would be the final attempts by either team for the rest of the period.
"I felt like we came out and played well at the start. It obviously helps to score early but then we conceded shortly after and had to weather the storm a bit," said Head Coach Taylor Diem.
Fort Lewis kept the offensive momentum to start the second as well, taking the first five shots of the half. Liam Corr had a try for the Rangers in the 65th minute, followed by one from Bellina three minutes later. At 86:43, Elias Taubo set up a free kick, leading to a header goal by Cameron Bennetti for the lead. After two blocked shots from the Skyhawks, the Rangers were victorious, 2-1.
"We made some adjustments at half time to try and play in their half which I thought pinned them back a bit and allowed us to control the game a little more," continued Diem. "Then Cam comes in off the bench and scores his first goal for the program so I couldn't be happier for him and the team."
"So proud of the effort from the guys today. Its never an easy place to win so to get the 3pts today to cap off a 6 point weekend shows a lot of character."
GAME NOTES
· The Rangers are now 2-0-2 against teams ranked and receiving votes
· Five different Rangers attempted a shot, and Bellina led with two
· Fort Lewis took eight corners to four from Regis University
UP NEXT
The Rangers return to action on Thursday, Oct. 17 as they host Colorado School of Mines
