GOLDEN, Colo. – The #8-ranked Colorado School of Mines Men's Soccer team started its season on a winning note in a nationally-ranked showdown as the Orediggers (1-0) defeated #15-ranked St. Edward's (0-1) 2-0 Friday night at Stermole Soccer Stadium thanks to three points each from Ben Overholt and John Haist.
 
Overholt tallied the first goal of 2018 and recorded an assist as he finished the match with two shots total. Haist provided the helper on Overholt's goal and scored one of his own as he cranked out six attempts with three on goal. Ryan Wilson was also a threat on offense with two shots on goal of his own. As a team, Mines recorded 16 shots to St. Edward's four with seven on frame.
 
Defensively, Drew Johnson had a night to remember as he made the first save of his career in the first shutout victory of his career in his first-career start. Johnson finished the night with two saves as he stood in frame from start to finish. Preseason RMAC Defensive Player of the Year Jason Zobott played all 90 minutes on the back line alongside Wilson.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The match as all Mines from beginning to end as the Orediggers outshot SEU 5-2 in the first half. Three of the attempts forced saves from the Hilltoppers' goalkeeper as both teams headed to the locker room scoreless.
 
Overholt ended the shutout in the 56'. Haist took the ball into the box and tapped it to Overholt as the defender came on to challenge. The redshirt junior did not hesitate as he hammered the ball home to the right side of the net from just past the penalty spot.
 
Mines' second goal came at the feet of the same duo in the 88'. Lucas King played the ball forward to Overholt who sent a scorching cross into the box. Haist took the pass and sent it home to give the Orediggers a 2-0 advantage and eventually the win.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- Friday marked Mines' first regular-season win over St. Edward's since 2013.
- The first goal of 2018 was the second of Overholt's career and his first game-winner in three seasons.
- Overholt now has six assists in his career.
- Haist's strike in the second half gives the Englishman 43-career goals with 11 assists in four seasons.
- Mines last recorded a shutout in a season opener in 2016 with a 3-0 win over Dixie State.
- Head coach Greg Mulholland is now 18-4-1 in two seasons at the helm of the Orediggers.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The Orediggers host St. Mary's Sunday at 12 p.m. at Stermole Soccer Stadium. Live stats and video will be available at www.GoHilltoppers.com with live updates on Twitter at @MinesMSOC.
 
Keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all season long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.