vs. Adams State & Local U18 Fire FC Team
The Mesa State Men’s Soccer Team continued their spring season with games against RMAC foe Adams State College and the U18 Grand Junction Soccer Club Fire FC Premier Teams this past Saturday.
The first game of the evening versus Adams State ended in a 3-1 victory for the Mavs that avenged their 2-2 opening game draw this past fall. The Mavericks dominated possession in the first half, but their scoring chances were very few. Adams State went into the half with a 1-0 lead when a lofted ball into the box created a 50-50 challenge between GK Billy Martinez and an Adams State forward. The ball ended up falling to an Adams State forward for an easy put away.
The second half was a different story. Mesa State pushed the tempo and dominated possession but this time created a number of scoring chances. The first goal came on a great combination between Andy Cornia and Brandon Burton on the right flank that ended up with a hand ball in the box. Marco Angelo stepped up and placed the PK perfectly past the Adams keeper.
The same two combined for a goal that was nicely put away by Brandon Burton. Andy Cornia put the Grizzlies away when he received a nice pass from Marco Angelo and slotted the ball home for the third goal.
The second game of the night resulted in a 2-0 victory for the Mavs over a collection of top level U18 and U17 players from the Grand Junction Soccer Club. The youngsters hung tough with the college guys, but the relentless pressure yielded a goal in the first half from forward Danny Westcott.
The second half was similar to the first with a second goal coming off an indirect kick in the box. The foul in the box happened after a great combination from the right flank. An overlapping run from right back Ethan Johnson froze the defender and allowed Will Camenson to attack the center halves. Danny Westcott made a well timed run in the box and was played the ball. A foul inside the six yard box resulted in the indirect kick which was put away by Camenson to finish the game 2-0 in favor of the Mavs.
Mesa State and Adams stepped back on the field for another 30 minute half that saw the Grizzlies come away with a 1-0 victory. A red card against Mesa State and a beautifully struck free kick gave Adams State a 1-0 victory.
Overall, it was a great night of soccer and well played by all the teams. The Mavs continue their spring season with two great games Saturday April 10th versus the NCAA Division II Champions Ft. Lewis and National Club Champions Weber State. Kick-off is 1:30 versus Ft. Lewis and 3:00 against Weber State.