GOLDEN, Colo. – The Colorado School of Mines Men's Soccer team won its first home match of 2019 Friday evening a 1-0 victory at Stermole Stadium thanks to a goal from Lucas King and a shutout from Drew Johnson.
 
King's tally was the only goal of the match and he finished the evening with a total of two shots. Ben Overholt accounted for the assist and added two shots of his own. Johnson made six saves and earned the win. Other top performances included a team-high three shots from Ford Edwards with two going on frame. Ryan Wilson and Talon Stanley. also took two shots on the night. Wilson was two-for-two with shots on target.
 
As a team, Mines (2-1-0) out-shot Seattle Pacific by a margin of 17-9. The Orediggers were also more accurate as they put 10 shots on goal compared to the Falcons' six. It marks Mines' sixth straight win in a home opener and drops SPU to 0-1-1 on the season.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
In a match that Mines dominated on paper, the opening half featured a chess game of possession and probing for weakness. The Orediggers' defense was tested first with back-to-back shots from Seattle Pacific in the eighth minute. Neither of the attempts were on frame. Seattle Pacific continued to pressure as it put a shot on goal in the ninth minute which Johnson stopped with ease. However, that would be the only attempts from SPU in the opening half as Mines responded with nine shots in the first 45 minutes while forcing four saves by the Falcons' goalkeeper. That would send the match into halftime with zeros on the scoreboard.
 
The second period featured a more aggressive style of play from both teams as Seattle Pacific and Mines forced saves in the first six minutes. The Orediggers' shot on goal was courtesy of Jason Zobott. Then, in the 56th minute of action, Overholt touched the ball around a Falcons defender near midfield and broke away down the north sideline. He cut towards the penalty area in Mines' attacking third and sent a cross nearly onto the penalty spot. King was there waiting and would not disappoint as he sent the ball to the back of the net for a 1-0 lead for Mines.
 
As noted by the final tally, it would be all the home team needed. Seattle Pacific mustered six shots in the final 45 minutes and forced Johnson to make five saves. Despite the valiant effort, Mines' defense stood strong and preserved the shutout.
 
NOTABLES
- King's goal was his second of the season and sixth of his career. He now has six goals and five assists for 17 points as a redshirt sophomore.
- King has accounted for both of Mines' goals in the last two matches.
- The Orediggers are now 2-1 in the all-time series against Seattle Pacific.
- Friday marked the first meeting between Mines and SPU since 1998.
- Overholt's assist to King was the 13th assist of his career.
- With the shutout win over Seattle Pacific, Johnson is now 20-3-1 with 12 shutouts in goal for the Orediggers.
- Greg Mulholland is now 20-3-1 at home as head coach of Mines. He is also 4-1-0 as the skipper in home openers.
- Mulholland is now 37-7-2 in three seasons at the helm.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines continues its six-game home stand Monday against Western Washington at 5:30 p.m. at Stermole Stadium. Live coverage 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.