#18 Mines (7-1-0, 4-0-0) vs. MSU Denver (3-5-0, 2-2-0) – Friday, 7:30 p.m. [Live Stats] [Live Video]
#18 Mines (7-1-0, 4-0-0) vs. Colorado Christian (0-7-0, 0-4-0) – Sunday, 2:30 p.m. [Live Stats] [Live Video]
 

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RETURN TO STERMOLE STADIUM
The #18-ranked Colorado School of Mines Men's Soccer team is finally coming home after three straight weeks on the road. Mines' return to Stermole Soccer Stadium also coincides with Homecoming 2018 as the Orediggers host MSU Denver Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Colorado Christian Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Mines is currently in first place in the RMAC standings and a pair of wins would extend its winning streak to eight straight games.
 
SOJOURN SOUTH
Last weekend, the Orediggers made the trek to southern Colorado where they faced CSU-Pueblo Friday and Adams State Sunday. Mines took home a pair of wins thanks to an overtime victory in Pueblo and a 1-0 shutout in Alamosa. Talon Stanley was responsible for the golden goal Friday while Ben Overholt notched the game-winning goal Sunday. John Haist and Matthew Summerfield also scored for the Orediggers. Mines' win over CSUP was its 12th straight against the ThunderWolves. The Orediggers improved to 15-1 in the all-time series with their victory over the Grizzlies.
 
WEATHER REPORT
For the first time this season, Mines will be playing in temperatures under 60 degrees. Game-time temp for Friday's match is forecasted in the mid 50's with clear skies and minimal chance of precipitation. Sunday should be equally beautiful, if not warmer with temps in the mid 70's, partly cloudy skies and a light breeze up to 10 miles per hour.
 
SCOUTING MSU DENVER
MSU Denver will make the short trip down Highway 6 toting an overall record of 3-5-0 and a RMAC mark of 2-2-0 along with the weight of a two-match losing streak. The Roadrunners dropped both their matches last weekend at Fort Lewis (5-2) and #17 Colorado Mesa (1-0). Leading scorer Gianni Steijlen (2 goals, 1 assist) will look to get his team back on the winning path. However, goalkeeper James Tanner (3-5-0, 2 shutouts) will have his work cut out for him with 15 goals surrendered so far this season.
 
CUCKOOS FROM DENVER
MSU Denver's nickname for its athletics teams is the Roadrunners which is a slender fast-running bird of the cuckoo family. Appropriately named, as it is a bird found chiefly in arid country. While the Roadrunner name has remained consistent, the institutional name has not. Originally founded as an "opportunity school" named Metropolitan State College of Denver, the administration looked to change the name to Denver State University in 2011. This was quickly quashed by privately run University of Denver and the board of trustees settled on Metropolitan State University of Denver, now self-branded as MSU Denver.
 
SCOUTING COLORADO CHRISTIAN
The Cougars of Colorado Christian enter the weekend winless and without a goal in 2018. In fact, CCU has not won a game in over 365 days (Sept. 13, 2017 vs. MSU Denver) and the last time it scored was Oct. 22, 2017 in a loss to Westminster College. Ethan Poulter leads the Cougars with five shots while Larson Hanlin has put three shots on frame. As a team, CCU is surrendering 4.86 goals per game, and Sunday's match won't be any easier as the Cougars start the weekend with a roundtrip to Rapid City for a contest Friday at South Dakota Mines. However, Colorado Christian is #8 in the country in saves per game (7.14) and goalkeeper Zach Roberts individually ranks #6 in the country with 6.83 saves per game.
 
COOL COUGAR FACTS
Colorado Christian Athletics bears the nickname Cougars. Also known as a puma, mountain lion, panther or catamount, it is the biggest cat in North America and second-heaviest cat in the western hemisphere after the jaguar. Cougars' tails are nearly three feet long, equaling a third of its total length. Male cougars may use a home range of 50-150 square miles. Cougars also appreciate leftovers. After they're done feeding on prey, Cougars cover the carcass with leaves and sticks to save it for later. From a sitting position, cougars can reach a vertical leap near 18 feet and up to 40 feet horizontally. And now you know.
 
SERIES HISTORY
The Orediggers are 30-20-5 in the all-time series against MSU Denver and 36-10-2 against Colorado Christian. Despite leading the all-time series against the Roadrunners, Mines is just 5-4 in matches versus MSU Denver since 2013. However, the Orediggers have not lost a match to CCU since 2013 and outscored the Cougars 28-0 over that time. Last season, John Haist and Talon Stanley combined for four goals and an assist as Mines went 2-1 against MSUD and CCU.
 
STERMOLE SOCCER STADIUM
Stermole Soccer Stadium, named in honor of Frank and Dot Stermole in the fall of 2014, is located in the heart of the Clear Creek Athletic Complex. Stermole Stadium has an artificial all-weather pitch and seating accommodations for 500 spectators with spectacular views of Golden, North Table Mountain, and the foothills. Hillside grass seating can accomodate hundreds more spectators. Stermole Stadium has hosted several major events, including numerous RMAC and NCAA Tournament games. The United States women's national team trained at Stermole Stadium in April 2014 ahead of their friendly against China at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver.
 
DOUBLEHEADER DELUXE
Fans who make it out to Stermole Stadium this weekend will have the opportunity to catch not one, but two Oredigger teams in action a total of four times. In addition to two games for Mines' men, the #5-ranked Colorado School of Mines Women's Soccer team will play two contests. The ladies kickoff Friday at 5 p.m. against Fort Lewis and at 12 p.m. Sunday against Adams State.
 
EXPERIENCE STERMOLE IN STYLE
For the first time in program history, the Oredigger Club has extended its hospitality suite to include select men's and women's soccer games. Friday's match will be the second chance for members to watch the game in the comfort of the Kazemi Suite. Hospitality benefits include complimentart food and beverage as well as an unmatched view of the game. Fans interested in joining the Oredigger Club and supporting Mines Athletics while experiencing Stermole Stadium in style can visit www.minesathletics.com/oc.
 
FREE T-SHIRTS, SUBS FOR GOALS & DOUBLE POINTS
Fan promotions for this weekend's matches include the Denver Athletic Fan Frenzy T-Shirt Toss, Jimmy Johns Subs for Goals and Blue Crew Double Points (Sunday only). Additionally, Friday's halftime will feature the recognition of men's soccer alumni in attendance while Sunday's match brings the action of youth team scrimmages to the turf. Fans can check out all the promotions at www.minesathletics.com/promotions.
 
OREDIGGERS RUNNIN' HOT
The #18-ranked Orediggers enter the weekend boasting a six-match winning streak. Not only have all six wins come on the road, but it's the fourth-longest, active winning streak in all of NCAA Division II. Only seven other teams have an active run longer than Mines.
 
KINGS OF THE (ROCKY) MOUNTAIN (ATHLETIC CONFERNECE)
In addition to its spot atop the RMAC standings, Mines also leads the conference in shutout percentage (.500) and total points (67). Additionally, the Orediggers rank second in the league in numerous categories including total goals, total assists and shots on goal per game. On the national stage, Mines is #9 in NCAA Division II in shots per game (18.50).
 
HE'S A BRICK HOUSE WALL
Redshirt junior Drew Johnson is in his first season as starting goalkeeper for the Orediggers. Through eight matches he has proven up to the task as he leads the RMAC with four shutouts which ranks 14th in the nation. Johnson's 25 saves rank second in the league and his save percentage of .758 ranks third.
 
BEST OF THE BEST
Over the last four years, John Haist has proven to be one of the top scorers in all of NCAA Division II. His 49-career goals and 111-career points lead all active players in DII. This season, Haist leads the Orediggers with seven goals and three assists. His 42 shots are the most in the conference and his 17 points are tied for first in the RMAC. Nationally, Haist is #4 in the country in shots per game and #17 in shots on goal per game.
 
RETURN TO THE NATIONAL POLL
Mines returned to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II National Poll Tuesday at #18. The Orediggers started the season at #8 in the preseason poll but dropped out after a loss on opening weekend. Six straight wins on the road convinced the votes to put the Orediggers back in. Other notable programs in the national ranks include RMAC foe Colorado Mesa at #11 and South Central Regional opponent Midwestern State at #4. The Orediggers host Colorado Mesa at Stermole Stadium Oct. 19.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
Mines hosts Dixie State Oct. 5 and Westminster Oct. 7 at Stermole Stadium.  Live stats and video of the matches will be available at www.MinesAthletics.com.