THE RUNDOWN  
The DBU Men's Soccer team fell to the CSU Pueblo Thunderwolves 3-2 in their season opener at Patriot Field. A penalty-kick goal from Peyton Voelker in the 12th minute staked the Patriots to a 1-0 lead, but three goals by Pueblo in the second half proved to be the difference as DBU's comeback effort fell short in front of the home crowd.  

DBU came out of the gates and seized the momentum in the game's opening moments. A foul committed by Pueblo's Dylan Zavatini resulted in a penalty kick for the Patriots. DBU's Voelker placed a left-footed shot in the back of the net for the first goal of the season. The Patriots held that one-goal lead through the first 45 minutes.  

Just over three minutes into the second half, the Thunderwolves put a point on the board as Gabriel Campora tied the match on a shot that got past Alexander Knepper. Momentum began to shift from DBU to Pueblo when another goal was scored by Reggie Nicholas in the 58th minute. The Thunderwolves' third goal came on a set-piece opportunity when Ignatius DeMark's throw in was headed into the net by Shjon Andrews.  

Trailing 3-1 with 12 minutes remaining, the Patriots began their comeback with a powerful shot from just inside the 18-yard box by Hunter Dierlam. With the assist coming from Gavyn Rosales, DBU pulled to within one goal of the Thunderwolves.  

In a physical match, the two teams combined for four yellow cards in the last four minutes as DBU was unable to find the game-tying goal.  

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW  

• Pueblo outshot DBU 15-3. 

• The two teams combined for 20 fouls, 13 of them being called on the Thunderwolves.

• Hunter Dierlam's goal was the first of his Patriot career after transferring from West Virginia Wesleyan.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS  
15- Peyton Voelker scored his 15th career goal. He is five goals away from tying Riley Alvey for the most goals in program history.

21- Pueblo's three goals came in the span of 21 minutes In the second half.

35- Alexander Knepper made his 35th career start in goal for the Patriots. He is one start away from tying Chuck Schober for the most starts in school history.

DBU HEAD COACH JESS JOBE ON THE SEASON OPENER 

UP NEXT  
The Patriots return to the pitch on Saturday at Patriot Field. They will face Lone Star Conference foe St. Edwards at 7 p.m.