LOS ANGELES – The #14-ranked Colorado School of Mines Men's Soccer team saw its 2019 season come to a close on Thursday evening as the Orediggers dropped a 2-1 decision to #13-ranked Cal State San Bernardino in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
Senior midfielder Ford Edwards was Mines' top performer in the loss. Edwards scored the Orediggers' only goal and led the team with four shots including two on goal. Ben Overholt recorded multiple attempts as well and put one of those on frame. Goalkeeper Drew Johnson led all players with six saves, but wore the loss due to two goals against. Jason Zobott, Ryan Wilson, Baptiste Debuire, Lucas King, Ian Kugler, Tristan Semeslberger and Adam Kindorf all contributed shots for Mines as well.
 
At 15-4-4 on the year, Mines closes the book on 2019 despite racking up 13 shots as a team with four of those on goal. Cal State San Bernardino (14-3-3) edged the Orediggers with 16 shots including eight shots on target. With the win, the Coyotes advance to the Elite Eight where they face the winner of Cal State LA and St. Mary's.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first half proved to be a stalemate as CSUSB pressed first and put two shots off the post. Mines responded in the final 15 minutes of the half with seven shots and two corner-kick opportunities. That gave the Orediggers the edge in shots going into halftime, but zeroes remained for both sides on the scoreboard.
 
The stalemate continued through the first 20 minutes of the second half before Edwards opened the flood gates in the 61st minute. A pass in transition brought the ball over midfield and saw Edwards carry it just outside the top of the 18-yard box. With the Coyote goalkeeper pressed slightly forward, Edwards let loose with a laser that found the right side of the night for a 1-0 Oredigger lead. However, it was not meant to be for Mines. Cal State San Bernardino responded with an equalizer in the 79th minute and then scored the game-winner in the 86th minute. Overholt notched one final shot in the waning seconds that went just wide as the final horn sounded.
 
NOTABLES
- Saturday marked the first-ever meeting between Mines and Cal State San Bernardino.
- Edwards goal on Thursday gives the senior five on the season and 11 in his career.
- Mines is now 5-9-2 in the NCAA Postseason. Thursday marked the Orediggers fifth appearance in the Sweet 16.
- Edwards, Johnson, Overholt and Zobott all close their Oredigger careers as the winningest class in program history.
- Zobott, having never missed a start in his career, boasts the second-most games played by any Oredigger ever with 84.
- Greg Mulholland is 50-10-6 in three seasons as Mines' head coach. He is 2-3-1 as a head coach in the NCAA Tournament.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines awaits the announcement of additional postseason awards including the United Soccer Coaches and D2CCA All-America teams. All awards 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. Fans can also follow Mines Volleyball on Twitter using the handle @MinesVolleyball.