GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Adams State responded to an opening-minute goal with scoring chances and a penalty-kick save from Mariely Jimenez, but Colorado Mesa added a late goal to secure a 2–0 victory Sunday at Community Hospital Unity Field.
Jimenez finished with four saves, including a stop on Kylie Hoffman's penalty kick before halftime. Her effort helped the Grizzlies keep the deficit at one goal until the 89th minute. Aja Lister led Adams State with two shots, while Autumn Villanueva recorded the team's lone shot on goal.
Colorado Mesa struck 46 seconds into the match when Ellie Duncan scored off an assist from Parker Mairs. The Grizzlies settled in and generated three shots in a span of less than a minute. Lister, Annabell Haugen and Lauren Ocampo each took attempts as Adams State searched for an equalizer.
Jimenez denied Olivia Bariao-Arce in the 17th minute, and Villanueva tested Colorado Mesa goalkeeper Keely Wieczorek moments later. Lister added another attempt at 20:31, while Sophia Miera sent a shot wide in the 33rd minute.
The Mavericks had a chance to extend their lead before the break, but Jimenez stopped Hoffman's penalty kick at 43:32. The save sent Adams State into halftime trailing 1–0 after a first half in which the Grizzlies recorded six shots.
Chloe Fredenburg opened Adams State's second-half chances with a shot in the 47th minute. The Grizzlies then held Colorado Mesa scoreless through much of the half, with Jimenez making two saves against Vanessa Pirrello less than a minute apart in the 78th and 79th minutes.
Colorado Mesa broke through again at 88:58 when Mari Ige scored off Mairs' second assist. Keira Robertson took Adams State's final shot in the closing minute, but her attempt went wide.
The Grizzlies finished with eight shots and moved to 5–7–1 overall and 1–6 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. Colorado Mesa improved to 8–3–1 and 6–1 in conference action.
Up Next
Adams State will return home to host MSU Denver on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. MT at the ASU Soccer Field.
