DURANGO, Colo. – Oredigger newcomer Azad Iliozer provided the #14-ranked Colorado School of Mines Men's Soccer team a 1-0 victory over Fort Lewis on Thursday afternoon in double overtime at Dirks Field.
 
Iliozer scored the only goal of the match in golden fashion off a pass from Talon Stanley in the 108th minute. Iliozer's tally and Stanley's assist were the only points of the match. Stanley and Tristan Semelsberger also post three attempts apiece. George Marchant and Baptiste Debuire added two shots each as well. Two of Iliozer's shots were on goal and one of Semelsberger's also went on frame. Brian Doherty stopped six shots on goal as he earned the shutout and the win in goal.
 
Overall, Mines (4-0-0, 4-0-0 RMAC) owned a 17-15 edge in shots. Fort Lewis (2-1-1, 1-1-1 RMAC) put more attempts on frame with six compare to three from the Orediggers. However, the Skyhawks could not find the back of the net. Each team garnered a yellow card while FLC committed 15 fouls compared to 11 by Mines. The victory keeps the Orediggers firmly atop the RMAC standings while still accounting the points-per-match format instituted for the overhauled 2020-21 season.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first 45 minutes were relatively uneventful besides a flurry of shots from Mines in the waning minutes before halftime. None of the attempts were on frame and the match entered halftime tied at 0-0. Fort Lewis returned the volley to start the second half with three attempts inside the first 10 minutes. In total, the Orediggers and Skyhawks and FLC combined for 13 shots in the second period, yet none found the back of the net.
 
After 90 minutes, the scored was still tied at 0-0 thanks, in large part to Dohert's six saves for Mines. Then, the Orediggers dominated the overtime period as it racked up five shots and limited Fort Lewis to just one attempt. The fatal volley came at 107:23 as Stanley sent a pass into the penalty area and Iliozer sent it home with a snap off his heel. Under NCAA overtime rules, the game came to an immediate end with the Orediggers victorious.
 
NOTABLES
- Thursday's win avenges an overtime loss to Fort Lewis in 2019 at Dirks Field in Durango.
- The Orediggers are now 21-30-8 in the all-time series against FLC.
- Iliozer's goal was the second of his career at Mines and first game-winner as an Oredigger. He now leads the team in total points with six on two goals and two assists this season.
- Stanley's assist marked the eighth of his career. He boasts two goals and one assist in the 2020-21 season.
- Head Coach Greg Mulholland is 54-10-6 in four seasons leading the Mines men's soccer team.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines continues its spring break series with CCU on Friday at 3 p.m. Fans are allowed to attend the game at All Star Park. Those unable to make it can follow live stats and video for free online at www.minesathletics.com.