COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A late UC-Colorado Springs goal proved to be the game winner against Western State Colorado University women's soccer on Sunday. The Mountaineers fell to the Mountain Lions 0-1.
 
Western (4-5-1, 3-3 RMAC) survived a first half onslaught by UCCS (7-3, 5-1 RMAC). Mountaineer keeper Katie Simpson-Johnson made three saves in the first half on 12 Mountain Lion shots to maintain a clean sheet.
 
After weathering the offensive storm in the first half, Western began to take control in the second half. The final 45 minutes was primarily played in the UCCS defensive third.
 
The Mountaineer offense looked potent late in the game, forcing the Mountain Lions to defend. On multiple free kick opportunities near midfield, the Mountaineers put the ball into the box and created opportunities for the offense.
 
However, it was UCCS that would capitalize on a rare second-half offensive opportunity. A ball crossed across the field from the right side found Ella Fischer. Fischer shot the ball into the back of the net, scoring her first goal of the season in the 79^th minute.
 
The Mountaineers will have two more road matches next week before returning to Gunnison. Western will be searching for their first road victory of the season.
 
The loss on Sunday was the first time this season Western has lost two matches in-a-row.
 
Western is now 2-2 on Sunday matches.
 
The Mountaineers continue the season next Friday at Colorado Christian University before facing the Colorado School of Mines on Sunday. Both matches are on the road.