How It Happened
A late goal proved to be the difference as the Colorado School of Mines (4-3-1, 3-1) dropped a hard fought contest to RMAC rival MSU Denver (5-2-1, 3-0-1) by the final of 2-1 on Sunday, September 25 at Stermole Soccer Stadium.
The Orediggers came out attacking early and often and were awarded in the 9' when freshman forward
Trevor Amann put in his fourth goal of the weekend. Junior midfielder
Nikolaus Grotz spun around mid-centerfield, just outside the 18-yard box, and fed a beautiful ball into open space that gave Amann a wide open goal.
MSU Denver brought the game back level nine minutes later when Josh Belfrage sent in a penalty kick. Both teams peppered a few more shots over the first half, but none were able to find the mark as the teams went into intermission tied at one apiece.
The second half devolved a chippy affair as the intensity really picked up. Once again, both teams had had a few fair chances at the game-winner, but neither we able to find the key to unlock the others' defense. That was until the 85' when MSUD's Josh Belfrage found his second goal of the contest.
After a Roadrunner free kick was bounced around, Belfrage met the ball at the back post and nodded home the would-be game winner.
Twice, Mines'
Matthew Summerfield nearly nodded home the tying goal, but one was saved by MSUD's Hayden Rus and the last one sailed high on him in the waning seconds.
Notables
- Mines out-shot MSU Denver, 14-10, and had a 6-4 advantage on shots on goal.
- The goal by
Trevor Amann was his fourth of the weekend and his team-leading seventh of the season.
- MSUD's Hayden Rus made five saves on the afternoon to deny the Orediggers.
- As mentioned, the game was particularly physical with a combined 40 fouls called and five total yellow cards.
Up Next
Mines returns home this upcoming Friday, September 30 when they host S.D. Mines & Tech at 7 p.m.
