As a player, you could not ask for a better kick or placed header than the one that gave West Texas A&M their victory over Colorado Mesa University in the South Central Regional Final.
Troy Reeves sent a soaring kick from close to 30 yards out towards the box, and senior Callum Challinor timed his jump perfectly to deliver a header goal towards the left of the post and past CMU goalkeeper Briley Guarneri to claim the 1-0 victory four minutes into overtime and advance to the NCAA National Quarterfinal.
It was a goal that ended the season for the Mavericks and sent several Mavericks down on the grass after the loss, including Guarneri. A perfectly placed header should not keep these Mavericks from recognizing the stellar season they put forth.
From rattling off six wins in a row to numerous overtime victories and even a victory during a PK shootout against the #6 team in the nation, there’s plenty this Maverick team accomplished that will always be remembered by the ones who had a front-row seat and spectators who watched from afar.
These two teams met earlier in the year. CMU traveled to Taos, NM to take on West Texas. Just like this final, that match up was played tightly from both sides and ended in a 1-1 tie after two overtimes.
The Mavericks nearly had their own game-winner when a corner to Kevin Del Mazo was placed perfectly into the box but the senior’s shot was blocked as West Texas cleared it out and created their game-winning opportunity.
CMU, however, played a game where their defense continued to make plays. Guarneri continued his clutch antics when Julio Vargas sent a 30-yard shot towards the goal but the RMAC Goalkeeper of the Year dove to his left and sent it away. The senior registered another diving save 20 minutes into the contest when he jolted to his left on a 25-yard shot.
The Buffaloes were trying deep balls all game, which makes it no surprise that the shot that won them the contest was another shot from far out.
CMU registered their first shot of the game in the 30th minute when Matthew Miller kicked a far shot that sailed high over the post. Both teams were taking chances from deep, hoping to find an upper V past either keeper.
With five minutes left in the first half, the Buffaloes had numbers heading into Maverick territory. A cross was sailing towards the box where an aggressive Guarneri got a hand on the ball and cleared it away, a must with so many Buffalo players closing in near the box.
The Mavericks kicked just one shot in a scoreless first half while the Buffaloes had seven shots with two on goal. The shot discrepancy for CMU was similar in Sunday’s win against Midwestern State, but the Mavericks found more room in this first half and created some close opportunities. Although Del Mazo and Abary were usually double teamed, other Mavericks found space and kept the momentum afloat.
Del Mazo found a groove in the first 45 minutes, creating lanes for his teammates and sprinting past defenders to find more opportunities.
The Mavericks had an early chance coming out of the half with Abary using his speed to go down the sideline. Abary made his way towards the box and kicked a light shot towards the right but Alexander Vancel made a nice diving play to his to keep the game scoreless.
CMU did a good job containing top goal scorers Vargas and Lucas Lima for West Texas. The Maverick’s backline cleared the ball out and kept CMU’s forwards on their toes, getting them the ball continuously throughout the contest.
The Buffaloes outshot the Mavericks 13-6 and kicked one more corner (7-6). Guarneri finished with three saves and Vencel ended with two.
CMU’s season ends at 13-4-5, and so do the career’s of Del Mazo, Guarneri, James McGhee, Matthew Miller, Cody Calgano, and Alan Flores. These seniors provided highlights all year long and were decorated with numerous accolades throughout their careers.
The group also set milestones and will forever have their names etched in the CMU record books.
