#11 CSM rallies for a 2-1 victory over #21 Metro State

DENVER, Colo. – The 11th-ranked Colorado School of Mines men’s soccer team overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to post a 2-1 victory against #21 Metro State on Tuesday afternoon at Auraria Field. It was the fifth straight victory for the Orediggers and the eighth win in their last nine matches.

The match was just one minute old when the Roadrunners found the back of the net. A through-ball by Steven Emory found the feet of Sam Rolph just inside the box on the right side. Rolph drove the ball low and far post for the goal.

The Roadrunners tallied nine shots in the first half while Mines attempted just four. Chike Sullivan tallied a pair of shots and one that was just right of the goal post. Drew Werth sent a free kick into the box late in the first half but MSCD goalkeeper Dominique Griffith pushed it over the top of the cross bar.

Down 1-0 at the half, CSM recorded nine second half shots and attempted five corner kicks. Alex Gunberg tied the game scoring his seventh goal of the season in the 66th minute. Sullivan slid a pass behind the MSCD defense on the right side and Gunberg was able to run in and slot the ball just inside the far post.

Less than 30 seconds remained in the match when Masaki Hemmi set up for a corner kick. Alex Nass’ header went underneath the cross bar towards the middle of the goal for the game winner in the 90th minute with just 22 seconds remaining in the match.

Manville Strand faced 18 shots in the match and made three saves to help preserve the win.

The Orediggers (15-2-3, 11-2-1 RMAC) travel to Durango, Colo. and Fort Lewis College to play in the 2009 RMAC Tournament beginning on Friday, Nov. 6th. The #2 seed CSM will play the #3 seed Metro State on Friday at noon. The winner will advance to the RMAC Championship on Sunday, Nov. 8th at noon and will play the winner of #1 Fort Lewis and #4 Regis University.

For more information about Colorado School of Mines Athletics, please contact Assistant Sports Information Director Katie Simons at ksimons@mines.edu.

-- OREDIGGERS --