All bets were off during Colorado Mesa University’s match on Friday night against Dixie State University. In a physical contest and tiring contest, the Mavericks showed their willpower and propelled themselves to a 2-1 victory and improved to 9-0-2.
James McGhee had himself a game scoring two goals, including the game-winner. The senior kicked the deciding goal with just six minutes left in the contest to keep the undefeated season alive.
Kevin Del Mazo sent a free kick towards McGhee, who was stationed near the goal, and McGhee leaped above every defender around him, knocking a header goal past Zach Nielson, his fifth goal on the season to give the Mavericks a clutch win.
Both teams went scoreless in the first half. The Mavericks and Trailblazers clawed back and forth to gain some momentum, but both goalies had other plans. Lawan Abary’s shot in the 24th minute was saved by DSU’s Nielson. A few moments later, Briley Guarneri mimicked Nielson’s play on a header shot to keep the game tied.
Matthew Miller attempted a header of his own but Nielson corralled another save to keep the game at a draw heading into the half.
CMU shot 6 times in the first-half but DSU had three saves. The action was much different in the second half, but both teams were in a battle with multiple substitutions from both sides to keep guys fresh.
McGhee scored his fourth goal on the season in the first-half when Del Mazo sent a free kick his way. McGhee danced and finished the play with style to give CMU a 1-0 lead. McGhee was showing off his two-way skills in this one. He blocked a huge shot attempt in the 36th minute to keep it tied.
Moises Medina knotted the score at 1-1 for the Trailblazers. Ascari Robles helped Medina with the assist for DSU’s lone goal of the contest.
CMU shot 10 shots in the match (five on goal) and the Trailblazers were just as accurate with eight shots (four on goal). The matchup was the second between both teams this season, with the Mavericks securing both victories and outscoring the Trailblazers 4-2 during the season series.
McGhee finished with two goals on two shots while Del Mazo had two assists to push his season total to a team-leading eight. Guarneri recorded the 50th win of his career with the victory. He is the winningest goalie in Maverick history and has a career record of 50-10.
CMU will resume play on Sunday at 1 pm on Walker Field against Westminster College, a team the Mavericks defeated earlier in the year 4-2.
