GOLDEN, Colo. – The #5-ranked Colorado School of Mines Men's Soccer team closed the book on its historic 2018 season Monday with a 2-0 loss to West Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Stermole Stadium.
 
John Haist, the Orediggers' single-season leader in four different categories, and Ben Overholt led Mines' attack with four shots each as the duo both put two shots on goal. Lucas King also ripped off two attempts in the match. Goalkeeper Drew Johnson matched his season high with six saves.
 
Mines ends its season with an overall record of 18-2-1 which ties the program mark for most wins in a season. The Orediggers also put together the longest winning streak and longest shutout streak in program history. Monday marked Mines first loss since Sept. 2, 2018.
 
With the win, West Texas A&M (16-2-3) advances to the NCAA Regional Final round, hosted by Azusa Pacific in Azusa, Calif. However, the Buffaloes will face Colorado Mesa without three different players as three red cards were issued to WTAMU in Monday's match.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After nearly 24 hours of postponement due to snow, Monday's match opened with blue skies and a field free of snow. The temperature hovered neared 30 degrees as Mines and West Texas A&M kicked off against each other for the first time since 2014.
 
The first half yielded no goals but was chock full of opportunities. Ryan Wilson put a shot on goal in the fifth minute. Then, Johnson strung together back-to-back saves in the 17th minute to keep the score knotted 0-0. The Orediggers' best opportunity of the match came in the 28th minute when Overholt forced a Buffs' handball inside the 18-yard box, drawing a penalty-kick opportunity. Haist stepped to the spot, but was stopped cold by WTAMU goalkeeper Alexander Vencel.
 
However, Mines appeared unfazed following the penalty kick as Johnson notched another save and Overholt put a shot of his own on frame. Overholt also put Haist in position to score again with a pass across the mouth of the goal in the 32nd minute. Unfortunately for the home team, Haist's flying volley hit the left goalpost, leaving zeros on the scoreboard.
 
The shutout carried all the way to halftime, but the second half brought all the fireworks. Amidst the madness of five combined yellow cards and three red cards, West Texas A&M notched two goals for a 2-0 advantage. The Buffs' Stefan Andjelic knocked in a rebound off a corner kick in the 69th minute and Lucca Lima sealed the deal in the 75th minute by cleaning up his own rebound.
 
NOTABLES
- Monday marked the Orediggers' eighth NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.
- Haist closes his career as Mines' single-season leader in shots, shots on goal, goals, points and game-winning goals. The Englishmen is also second all-time at Mines in goals and points.
- Mines played 16 Orediggers against West Texas A&M. Thirteen of those 16 are slated to return next season.
- Johnson closed his campaign as Mines' single-season leader in shutouts with 10 on the year.
- Two of Orediggers' three leading scorers will return next season in Overholt and King.
- Haist recorded at least four shots in eight of his last nine games.
- Head coach Greg Mulholland is now 35-6-2 in two years at the helm.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines awaits the announcement of postseason awards including all-region and all-America. Each announcement will be available at www.MinesAthletics.com.
 
Keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all season long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.