The Colorado Northwestern Men's soccer team hosted Central Wyoming this past weekend for the Spartans' Home Opener at Loudy-Simpson Park in Craig, Co. In an exciting game that saw end to end action throughout the first half, Central Wyoming earned the first great scoring opportunity when it was rewarded a penalty kick 20 minutes into the game. The Spartan goalkeeper, Leo Loya, was up for the challenge and made a great save to keep the game tied at 0-0. Ten minutes later, Central Wyoming was able to capitalize on a Spartan mistake and took the lead with a goal from Frankie Dolce that they carried into halftime. "We made some slight adjustments at half but it was really about us moving the ball around, getting everyone involved in the play and working hard for each other" stated Head Men's Soccer Coach Doug Seigle.

The Spartans came out the 2^nd half with more intensity and created several good scoring opportunities when Mahad Haji was able to finish a rebound to tie the game up 1-1 ten minutes in the second half. The Spartans continued to push forward when Joan Macareno was able to find Brandon Mercado with a pass to the backdoor which Brandon finished to give the Spartans their first lead of the game 2-1. Unfortunately the Spartans could only hold on to the lead for five minutes as Central Wyoming was able to score an equalizer making the score 2-2 with 22 minutes left in the game. The last 20 minutes of heart pounding excitement saw both teams create opportunities but it was the Spartans who capitalized with 5 minutes left in the game when Axel Aldana was able to score off a goalkeeper rebound in front of the goal from an Orlando Garcia free kick. "It was an exciting day for our Spartan soccer program and I am proud of the work the players put in to make this happen. We are going to enjoy this win but we know we have to get back to work next week and continue to improve" said Coach Seigle." 

The Spartans are back in action this week with their conference opener on Thursday against the College of Southern Nevada and another conference game on Saturday against Christian Community College.