Mines (5-3-0, 0-0-0 RMAC) at Adams State (1-6-0, 0-0-0 RMAC) – Friday, 3:30 p.m. – Alamosa, Colo. [Live Stats] [RMAC Network]
Mines (5-3-0, 0-0-0 RMAC) at Fort Lewis (3-3-1, 0-0-0 RMAC) – Sunday, 1 p.m. – Durango, Colo. [Live Stats] [RMAC Network]

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RMAC PLAY BEGINS
Eight matches of non-conference action are in the books and the time has come for the Colorado School of Mines Men's Soccer team to begin RMAC action. The Orediggers' openers are Adams State and Fort Lewis. Mines kicks off Friday at 3:30 p.m. in Alamosa with a 1 p.m. start on Sunday in Durango, Colo. This weekend, the defending RMAC champions begin their quest for a fifth straight sweep of the conference crowns.
 
FAN INFORMATION
Neither Adams State or Fort Lewis provide any mask mandates for outdoor events. As per state guidance, fans planning to attend are strongly encouraged to wear a mask if unvaccinated or if social distancing cannot be maintained.
 
LIVE COVERAGE
The RMAC Network has relaunched for 2021-22, and fans used to watching on their smart TV or other device must download the new app by searching "RMAC" in your device's app store. The new watch portal is available at minesathletics.com/tv or rmacnetwork.com. All Mines home matches will stream live and for free on the RMAC Network this fall.
 
LOOKING BACK
Mines closed non-conference play last weekend by hosting CSU Pueblo followed by a trip to MSU Denver. Even though both foes are members of the RMAC, neither match counted towards the conference standings. The Orediggers started the weekend with a 2-1 loss to CSU Pueblo. Tristan Semelsberger accounted for the only goal off a penalty kick. On Sunday, Mines rebounded in a big way with a 4-0 victory over the Roadrunners. Two true freshmen and a sophomore scored the goals. Gabe Rodriguez notched two, John Burnett had one and Zane Sokolowski also joined the fun.
 
SCOUTING ADAMS STATE
Last weekend, Adams State's men won their first match since Oct. 6, 2019. The 2-1, overtime victory over South Dakota Mines in Lakewood, Colo., also marked the Grizzlies' third total win since 2018. With the decision, ASU enters the weekend 1-6-0 overall as they also begin RMAC play. Three of Adams State's six losses have been by one goal. As a team, the Grizzlies have scored six goals in seven matches. Each goal was scored by a different individual. However, it is Brayan Fernandez leading the team in scoring with one goal and one assist for three points. Josh Garcia leads the team in shooting with seven attempts including three on goal. Zach Carr and Logan Rabasca have split the goalkeeping duties. Overall, the duo has combined for 30 saves compared to 15 goals against on 96 shots faced.
 
SCOUTING FORT LEWIS
The Skyhawks of Fort Lewis roll into the weekend fresh off a 2-1 loss at Westminster as they host Colorado Christian Friday before hosting Mines on Sunday. Fort Lewis' defeat at the hands of WC drops its record to 3-3-1 on the season. Signature wins to date include a 3-1 victory against Lubbock Christian and a 2-1 win at then #16 Colorado Mesa. Back-to-back losses at Mines and Regis earlier in September account for the other two decisions in the second column. UT-Permian Basin worked a 2-2 tie on opening weekend at Dirks Field as well. Gabriel Legendre is the name to know and player to watch for FLC. He boasts three goals and two assists to lead the team in scoring. Eight of his nine shots have gone on goal. Defending All-RMAC goalkeeper Peter Byrne owns a goals-against average of 1.38 with 24 saves through seven matches.  
 
SERIES HISTORY
Since joining NCAA Division II in 1992, Mines boasts an 18-1-0 record against Adams State and owns a 24-30-8 mark versus Fort Lewis which includes a non-RMAC win for the Orediggers from earlier this season. The aforementioned victory was a 2-0 decision in Golden and provided Mines its fourth consecutive win over FLC. Quin Collins and Zane Sokolowski both scored the first goals of their careers in the Friday night affair. The Skyhawks put just two shots on goal as Mines outshot their guests, 20-5. The Orediggers' last loss to Fort Lewis was a 2-1, overtime defeat on Oct. 25, 2019 in Durango, Colo. In the other series, Mines' only loss to Adams State was at home on Oct. 11, 2013 by a score of 1-0. Since that time, the Orediggers own 13 consecutive wins and have surrendered just six goals. The teams met twice in the spring. Their last showdown was a 2-1, overtime victory for Mines in Alamosa.
 
LUCAS KING
Past previews and recaps have accounted Lucas King's ability to dish out assists. That fact has not changed. Through eight matches, King's six assists rank #5 in the nation. He also sits #9 in assists per game. Additionally, King's 22 assists in his career rank #6 on Mines' all-time list and is tied for sixth among all active players in NCAA Division II. Did we mention the Seattle, Wash., native plays on the defensive line?
 
FUN FACT OF THE WEEK
During the NCAA era for Mines and Adams State, the Orediggers have never surrendered more than one goal to the Grizzlies in any given match. That's it. That's the fun fact.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
Mines continues its season at home on Wednesday, Oct. 6, against Colorado Christian at Stermole Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.minesathletics.com/tickets or at the gate on the day of the match. Live stats and video on the RMAC Network will also be offered at www.minesathletics.com.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines men's soccer on Twitter at @MinesMSOC. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.