SEASIDE, Calif. – The 21st-ranked Colorado School of Mines men's soccer team was out west Friday night to begin their 2023 campaign against Cal State Monterey Bay in a rematch of opening day last season. Despite an early first half goal by Marc Zimmerman, the Orediggers (0-0-1) were unable to withstand the Otters' (0-0-1) offense for the balance of the match, as an equalizer with 20 minutes remaining resulted in a 1-1 draw.
 
The first shot of the match came just 49 seconds in courtesy of Zimmerman who missed wide right but sent an early message that the Orediggers were ready to roll. After a fifth minute try from CSUM also missed wide, the action settled for a bit until the native of Germany was able to find his mark, taking a ball from John Burnett and sending it past goalkeeper Jack Blickenstaff to make it 1-0 Mines in the 14th minute.
 
CSUMB looked to answer and had a pair of looks in succession around the 27-minute mark, as junior college transfer Caden Allaire was put the test in goal for the first time and answered the bell with a save on the first try before the second sailed high over the crossbar. Allaire notched another save in the 33rd minute to preserve the lead as quality looks were hard to come by as the first half concluded with the Orediggers ahead.
 
As the action continued in the second half, the Otters tested Allaire again in the 51st minute, putting a shot up as they looked to equalize the match but once more, the Wyoming native stood tall and made the save.
 
Mines worked to find chances to extend their lead but those looks were hard to come by against a stingy CSUMB defense, as a shot by Ian Kugler in the 54th minute was the lone try for a long time in the half. Ultimately, the Otters did manage to draw back even in the 70th minute, as Mason Ward and Kane Ritchie teamed up for a goal that slipped past Allaire to make it 1-1.
 
With just 20 minutes left in an even contest, both sides struggled to gain an advantage as they each looked to find a way to pick up a win on opening night. Mines and CSUMB combined for just two shot attempts over the final minutes of the night with neither a promising look at a go-ahead score as time expired and forced the teams to settle for a hard-fought draw.
 
NOTABLES
-Zimmerman's goal was the first of his career on just his 13th career shot attempt
-Burnett's assist was the fourth of his career and first since October 21 of last season against Colorado Mesa
-Allaire made four saves in his debut match in goal for Mines
-CSUMB outshot the Orediggers 12-6 overall and 5-1 in shots on goal in the match
-Seven of 11 starters for Mines played all 90 minutes Friday night
-Three players made their Mines debut Friday night, including Allaire, Luke Hanna and Carter Jansen
-Friday night was the first season-opening draw for Mines since the 2004 season when they also played to a 1-1 result on the road against Florida Tech
 
Up next, Mines returns home to Stermole Stadium Friday September 8 to play host to #22 Cal Poly Pomona in a 6 p.m. match  to open a stretch with four of six matches at home.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines men's soccer on Twitter and Instagram at @MinesMSOC and @mines_msoc. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.