PUEBLO, Colo. — The MSU Denver women's soccer team battled back from a two-goal halftime deficit but couldn't complete the comeback Friday night, falling 2-1 to CSU Pueblo at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.
The Roadrunners moved to 2-5-4 overall and 1-3-1 in RMAC play with the loss, while CSU Pueblo improved to 3-5-2 overall and 1-2-1 in conference action.
CSU Pueblo struck first in the 18th minute when Maya Bethelmie found the back of the net off assists from Nadia Bailey and Madi Reardon. The ThunderWolves doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute as Abby Menk scored on a pass from Ruthie Landwehr, sending the Roadrunners into halftime trailing 2-0.
MSU Denver generated seven shots in the opening half, including an early shot on target from Jaslyn Sanders that was saved by CSU Pueblo goalkeeper Peppi Niemi. Madrid Mack recorded a pair of first-half shots, while Maya Woods, Taylor Matthews, Madeline Everett and Cassidy Gottesman also registered attempts.
The Roadrunners continued to press after halftime and pulled within one in the 60th minute. MSU Denver's goal was credited as an own goal, coming shortly after a Roadrunners corner kick.
MSU Denver continued to look for the equalizer but couldn't find a second goal. Jocelyn Thompson recorded the Roadrunners' lone shot of the second half, while the MSU Denver defense held CSU Pueblo without a shot on goal after halftime.
The Roadrunners finished with an 8-5 advantage in shots and earned three corner kicks to CSU Pueblo's two. Mariah Fletemeyer made one save in goal for MSU Denver, while Niemi made one save for the ThunderWolves.
MSU Denver will look to bounce back Sunday when it travels to face Colorado School of Mines. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
