DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University Men's Soccer team defeated Colorado Mesa University, 4-2, in their RMAC conference opener on Thursday night. The Rangers improve to 2-2-5 (1-0-0 RMAC), while the Mavericks fall to 3-4-1 (0-1-0 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
It did not take long for the Rangers to take control, as Jacobo Betancourt-Tavor set up Liam Corr for a goal at just under the seven minute mark. RU kept the offensives pressure on, with four more shots over the next seven minutes. Vasili Papadopoulos ended the half with a pair of on target attempts that were saved by Mesa, and the Mavericks had one on-goal shot in the 41st minute, saved by Regis goalkeeper Greg Squire.
"I really think that first half was about the best we've played all year," said Head Coach Taylor Diem. "We definitely had a few chances that we didn't capitalize on, but ultimately happy with the boys performance."
In the second half, Elias Taubo would set up Ignacio Bellina for a long, cross field goal that found the upper left corner, then just five minutes later, Taubo scored a goal of his own as Corr assisted his goal. However, the Mavericks did not back down, as CMU scored a pair of goals under two minutes apart, at 62:27 by Diego Medina and at 63:47 by Marc Bonafe.
"I think after we went up 3-0, we kinda lost a bit of focus," continued Diem. "They got back into the game on a couple chances that felt like we gave to them."
Regis would snap back into focus, only allowing four more attempts in the game, and Taubo and Corr connected yet again in the 72nd minute for Corr's second goal and Taubo's second assist.
"That is the point where guys show their resilience and character to weather the storm, and we did that really well. It wasn't a perfect performance, but we are glad to get three points to start RMAC play."
GAME NOTES
· Regis totaled 25 shots, with 13 landing on goal
· CMU took just eight with four on goal
· Regis took six corners to just one for Mesa
· Taubo leads the team with 10 points, and Corr is in second with eight
UP NEXT
The Rangers return to action on Sunday, Oct. 6 as they host Westminster University (Utah) ay 12 pm.