by Joe Azar
After bouncing back with a win to finish their opening weekend at home, the road did not get any easier for CMU’s men’s soccer team. Failing to capitalize on the momentum of that win, the team had to come from behind to earn a draw against St. Mary’s Friday and then fell behind early in a loss Sunday against St. Edward’s.
Leading to the road trip, head Coach Todd Padgett knew the challenge that was facing his team. The
Mavs have faced both teams on numerous occasions the past two seasons, with the games featuring some of the best teams across the nation in Division II soccer.
“The Texas trip to begin our year whether it’s the first weekend or the second weekend is always tough,” Padgett said. “They’re two very good teams and two very physical sides.”
In the opening game at St. Mary’s, the Rattlers opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes of the game, making it the second-consecutive game the Mavs allowed an early
goal. Like the game against Fort Lewis, however CMU had one of its key players equalize. Malik Mennana fed Roy Abergil a ball at the top of the penalty box that the Israeli man slotted home before halftime. That was the only shot of the nine CMU had on goal that found the back of the net, and after two scoreless overtime periods, the game finished a 1-1 draw.
Against No.7 St. Edwards, the team allowed a goal in the 22 minute to fall behind 1-0 entering the second half. The Hilltoppers scored again in the 52 minute to
take a 2-0 lead. Roy Abergil was able to cut the lead in half with his fourth goal in four games. That goal came in the 83 minute, though, and CMU wasn’t able to complete the comeback. The Mavs lost 2-1 to start the season with a 1-1-2 record.
CMU will be on the road again next weekend, opening up RMAC play against a UCCS team that will look to equal the physicality that has stifled the Mavs early on. Before that encounter comes anotherdifficultconference game on Friday against Metro State.
