GOLDEN, Colo. – Oredigger goalkeeper Drew Johnson made a career-high seven saves on Sunday to help lead the Colorado School of Mines Men's Soccer team to a 1-0 victory over CSU-Pueblo at Stermole Stadium.
 
Johnson faced a total of 12 shots from the ThunderWolves and stopped all seven that went on goal to earn the victory in net while adding another shutout to his resume. On the other side of the ball, Talon Stanley took three shots and put the entire trio on frame. Jason Zobbott also snapped off three shots with two of those going on goal. The lone tally of the match was an unfortunate own goal by CSU-Pueblo forced thanks to pressure from Ian Kugler.
 
With the win, Mines (6-2-0, 4-0-0 RMAC) extends its winning streak to four games. It also marks the Orediggers' third consecutive shutout. CSU-Pueblo falls to the .500 mark in conference play at 2-0-0 and down to 2-6-0 on the year. Mines remains tied with Westminster (6-2-0, 4-0-0 RMAC) atop the league standings.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
High winds and hot temperatures greeted the Orediggers and ThunderWolves for their Sunday afternoon matchup at Stermole Staidum. While Mines entered the match in complete control of the all-time series, the result of Sunday's showdown was an evenly matched contest in nearly every way. Both teams put two shots on goal in the first half and then matched each other again with seven shots on goal apiece in the second half. Mines finished with 14 total shots and CSU-Pueblo was only two back at 12 attempts.
 
However, the difference was made in the waning minutes of the opening period. In the 43rd minute, Ryan Wilson played a long pass over the ThunderWolves' defense to a charging Kugler. CSU-Pueblo's goalkeeper came out to challenge the ball, but Kugler's pressure forced a misplay that fell to the foot of a pursuing defender. With no time to react, CSUP's defender contacted the ball and sent it straight to the back of the net with nobody to stop it. That 1-0 lead would stand for the remaining 47 minutes.
 
NOTABLES
- Mines is now 36-9-4 in the all-time series against CSU-Pueblo and have won 13 straight meetings with the ThunderWolves.
- The Orediggers have six wins on the year with five shutouts.
- Friday's miscue by the ThunderWolves marks the second own goal to Mines' benefit in 2019.
- Johnson now has 24 wins in goal as an Oredigger and 15 shutouts. He is now tied for #3 in all-time shutouts at Mines.
- Head coach Greg Mulholland is now 41-8-2 in three seasons at the helm.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The Orediggers' next action is set for Friday, Oct. 4 against Colorado Christian at 1 p.m. in Lakewood, Colo. Live stats and video of the match 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.