The Colorado College men's soccer team improved to 9-1-2 (4-0). It's the best start through 12 games for the Tigers since the 2015-16 season.
CC scored three second-half goals after 77 minutes of scoreless soccer. Once
Remi Maher scored his third goal of the season in the 77th minute, the floodgates opened as CC scored twice in two minutes between the 86th and 87th minutes.
"We played our best second half of the season tonight,"
Scott Palguta said. "We pressed well defensively, made good decisions with the ball, and took our chances really well. All three goals were outstanding finishes."
Will Bavier scored his first goal of the season and first since the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Bavier called his own number, only for
Jack Hilliard to score off a pass from
Oliver Ramirez less than 90 seconds later.
CC outshot Concordia 14-10, including 6-5 on goal. Freshman
Teddy Opler led the pack with three shots after logging 44 minutes off the bench. Seven Tiger starters recorded shots, including Hilliard, who led the starting 11 with two shots.
Goalkeeper
Alex Wolter collected another win and his fourth shutout of the season. Connecticut tied his career high with five saves.
The Tigers and Tornadoes traded shots in the first half. Concordia outshot CC 7-3 in the first 45 minutes.
Dylan Stapley,
Alex Meyerhoff, and Opler put up numbers for the Tigers, but none found the back of the net.
The Tigers came out firing in the second half, matching their first-half shot total in the first four minutes.
Charlie Wagner's shot toward the middle of the net was saved, but Opler and
Teddy Libby put up the next two in the 49th and 50th minutes, showcasing the team's energy and determination.
Both teams created chances on goal before Maher broke the scoreless tie in the 77th minute and gave CC the lead.
From that point on, it was all Tigers. CC closed out the game by taking four more shots, two of which ended up behind the goalkeeper. Bavier and Ramirez scored on back-to-back shots and the Tigers pulled ahead 3-0.
CC remained undefeated in conference play (4-0) as it travels to McMurry University to take on the Warhawks on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. MT.
"We showed what we are capable of when we put it all together," Palguta said. "Hopefully, we can use the positive momentum to our advantage on Sunday in Abilene."
