Pueblo, Colo. – The Adams State Grizzlies Men's Soccer team traveled just up the road to Pueblo for their afternoon RMAC matchup against the CSU-Pueblo Thunderwolves Friday afternoon, and unfortunately for the Grizzlies, they would not return home with the win. The Thunderwolves would ultimately outlast the Grizzlies in overtime, scoring a deciding goal just past the 93-minute mark in the extra period to come out on top 2-1.
 
There was a lot to like for Adams State, particularly on defense. The first half was a scoreless stalemate, with goalie Jacob Faircloth locked in and navigating his defense, as well as making plays on his own. The Adams State defenders were stout, ready for anything that came their way, as Austin Rios and Jarrett Shrum seemed to contest every Thunderwolf scoring threat in the first half. A handful of Adams state scoring chances proved to be of no avail, and the two teams would head into the half tied at zero.
 
Immediately into the second half, the scoring as well as the pace of the contest, picked up. Right out of the gate just past the 50-minute mark, Abdoulie Danso received a nifty assist from Greysen Gilman and was able to cash in to put the Grizzlies up 1-0. In a defensive struggle where goals seemed to be hard to come by, the play was huge for the Grizzlies.
 
If the game were 85 minutes long, the Grizzlies would be headed back to Alamosa with a victory. Unfortunately for them, late in the game with less than five minutes remaining, Vinzent Zingel received a pass from teammate Michael Chism and punched it in to nod the score at one. The game would be headed for extra time to try and break the 1-1 tie, which was the result from last years' opening matchup between the two teams.
 
In overtime, the Thunderwolves had new life, and it did not take long for them to capitalize on their opportunity. Micahel Chism, again was able to provide the assist, this time for teammate Dominik Heutgens, to win the contest for CSU-Pueblo, 2-1. Grizzly Head Coach Matthew Munhall was proud of his team's effort, but acknowledged that the Grizzlies must close out games in order to win tightly contested Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchups. "The boys bought in to our preparation this week. We proved to be a tough defensive unit to break down. It was exciting to break the score line first and to hold onto the lead as long as we did. It's a 90 minute game and tonight there was some extra time as well. We kept our focus for most of it, but need to be better in minimizing opportunities and being stronger late in the game. It was our first RMAC game of the season and we know what we are in for now. Sunday will be another test for us."
 
The Grizzlies will be back in action this Sunday, September 22^nd at 1 P.M. against the Fort Lewis Skyhawks in Durango, CO. Live stats and video will be available at goskyhawks.com.