How It Happened
A battle of the RMAC's two best defensive teams lived up to the billing as Colorado School of Mines held nationally ninth-ranked Regis University to a 0-0 draw on Sunday, October 2 at the Regis Match Pitch.

Mines (5-3-2, 4-1-1) played most of the second half and both overtime periods with only 10 men to pull off a gutty performance against one of NCAA Division II's top-10 teams.

Mines nearly got on the scoreboard 48 seconds into the game as Nikolaus Grotz put a nice shot on goal. Regis put two shots on goal late in the first half, but both Mines starting goalkeeper Leo Chely turned back both to keep the game scoreless at the intermission. 

Then, 15 minutes into the second half, Grotz picked up his second yellow card which left the Orediggers with only 10 men for the rest of the match. 

The Rangers took advantage of that situation and immediately took over the run of play and scoring opportunities. The Orediggers and Chely faced 10 Regis shots over the next 30 minutes of action, but the Mines defense stood tall and kept the game scoreless.

The best shot of that second half was actually one taken by Aaron Safadi in 79'. The Arvada native booted an attempt from 20-plus yards out, but it unfortunately clanged off the cross bar.

Still playing with 10 men, the Mines defense had to continue to weather the Regis offensive attack. In the first overtime, RU's Noah Chapleski sent a rocket at goal, but Leo Chely was able to push it over the crossbar. Then, in the second overtime, Chely saved back-to-back Regis shots on goal within 47 seconds. 

The second one from Jacob Lever was seriously impressive as it came from the back the box and through traffic, but Chely punched out the Rangers' final attempt.

Notables
-    The biggest reason Mines was able to earn the hardfought draw was the stellar play of Leo Chely who made a career-high seven saves. Each save was seemingly more difficult for Chely who stood tall against a steady offensive onslaught.
-    The draw was an important one for Mines as kept them in the RMAC Championship race. The Orediggers are only one game back of Regis and Colorado Mesa for the lead.
-    The draw was also Regis' first non-victory of the season. The Rangers came into the match with a perfect 8-0 record.
-    Even with the man-up advantage for 50 minutes of match time, Regis only outshot the Orediggers 18-11.
-    After the conclusion of the match, Mines head coach Frank Kohlenstein presented Regis head coach Tony McCall with a check for over $1,500 for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. The money was raised as part of the Third Annual Kenleigh's Cause Bike Ride which was two hours before the match.

Up Next
Mines will now head to RMAC co-leader Colorado Mesa next Friday, October 7.