Another big game between the #2 SC Ranked Colorado College, visiting the Captains of Christopher Newport University. While I don't have CNU currently ranked, I do have them on my potentials list.

That said, am very curious about Colorado and their staying power. They have really made strides in the last couple of years and just trying to determine how real they are. And for CNU, I'll be looking at how they hold up to a ranked opponent.

Starting out, Christopher Newport is on the from but Colorado is trying to get a handle on the ball. They seem to be more methodical in their buildup, and not looking to carelessly launch balls into the attack. Have no problems just maintaining control of the rock. CNU is a bit more direct, and as a result Colorado is recovering the ball without much problems.

And in one such play, 8 minutes in, Colorado gets the go ahead goal. Patient on the ball, they pick their opportunity to go forward. Ball dropped back to a center back who takes a touch then puts the ball on the ground to the feet of a center forward checking into the space. Forward takes a touch they gives it to a winger who is unmarked. He is able to turn and as the defender tries to get between him and the goal, the forward takes the ball wide and into the box, takes a couple of touches then rifles a shot high that the CNU keeper can not parry away.

A goal well deserved as I thought Colorado was just tighter with the ball and able to move it around.

0-1 Colorado

Christopher Newport now trying to react to the goal. Getting some more control on the ball, but one thing I notice... when the back line has the ball, the midfield is largely empty. I mean a ton of space. Seems like you would want at least one players filling in that spot, if anything to draw a defender and maybe be able to connect on shorter passes.

Will say, for a night game, the soccer stadium is a sight to behold.

Colorado is having an easier time of getting to CNUs goal. Playing very smart and CNU just can't get to goal. Very intentional with where they send the ball and with their runs. CNU is struggling to adjust to it.

30 minutes left in the half.

CNU is pressing higher up the field, putting pressure on the Colorado backs as they try to build out. But still, Colorado has more possession of the ball. And turning the game around, CNU equalizes!

In a good play of possession, CNU works the ball up the field and manages a give and go that gets the CNU forward behind the defense and into the box, where he rips a shot far post and equalizes. And again, when they hod

Definitely against the run of play. Defensively, thought Colorado looked like they got caught a little bit asleep. Think they were looking for a long ball and not anticipating the give and go. The one defender kind of got caught in no mans land neither committing to the ball, nor tracking the man making the run.

1-1 All tied up with 18 minutes left in the half.

Colorado trying to get back on track, maintaining control and being somewhat conservative as they look to attack. But they are still pinning CNU back, but doing a better job at making it difficult for Colorado in the final third.

5 minutes left. Do think both teams would be ok with getting into halftime at 1-1.

Well, Colorado is now against the ropes. After a late challenge Colorado #9 was issued a second yellow. Colorado is now down to 10 men.

And on that the game goes to half. Who know what will develop out of this.

SC.