Photo by Brian Wise

The season has been off to a slow start for coach Erin Sharpe and the CMU Mavericks.

The Mavs entered Sunday’s game against RMAC rival Metro State (4-0-2) with one win after losing in the final two seconds of their Friday RMAC opener versus Colorado Christian.

“Our game Friday (vs Colorado Christian) was a game that we came away from knowing that we did not give it our all,” Sharpe said. “Today, however, was the complete opposite.”

The game started in similar fashion of the season so far as Metro went up 1-0 after ripping a shot from outside the 18-yard box into the upper corner of the goal. The Mavs went into the half time down a goal and in need of a change in their lineup.

The Mavericks came out of the intermission with a new formation and three of the four starting defenders now playing in the attacking midfield. The change in strategy paid off as the Mavs scored off of an impressive cross and finish by Taylor Franklin, assisted by Sarah Pope. The Mavs had a few more opportunities on goal, yet failed to find pay-dirt, and the game was sent into overtime.

With storm weather overhead, the game stayed tied, and double overtime ensued. However, after two minutes of play, Metro had a breakaway down the middle and a shot on the ground that deflected of both posts and rolled in. Another unfortunate and close loss for the Mavericks, but Coach Sharpe was extremely pleased with the way her team reacted to the adversity.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way the team played, and I can tell that they really left it all out on the field,” Sharpe said. “If we can just correct simple mistakes, we are going to have an awesome rest of the season.”

The Mavericks (1-5, 0-2 RMAC) will have a few days to practice and rest before a tough weekend slate of games, taking on CSU-Pueblo (3-2, 0-2 RMAC) at home Friday night, and away at Regis University (2-2-1, 0-1-1 RMAC) on Sunday.

ksparkhu@mavs.coloradomesa.edu