Two of the best teams in Division II, No.5 Colorado School of Mines and No.24 Colorado Mesa University, squared off Friday night in a highly anticipated matchup. The two Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference heavyweights battled for a competitive 110 minutes of play but neither could put the other away as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Mavericks were looking for revenge after losing to the Orediggers 2-1 in the RMAC Championship game last season. CMU played with poise and tenacity in this one and came up with clutch saves.
Both teams came into the contest with two of the best offenses in the RMAC. The Orediggers lead in multiple offensive categories while the Mavericks are in the top three in several, but each is in the top two for goals per game with CSM at 2.60 and CMU at 2.43.
After some pressure from the Mavericks in the first half, the Orediggers secured the early advantage in the 17th minute. Redshirt freshman Lucas King was in a groove early for Mines, and he capitalized on that momentum after sinking a cross from nine six yards out to give the Orediggers a 1-0 lead.
That lead wouldn’t last as the Mavericks had an answer just under a minute later. Midfielder Niall Shaffery came up with the equalizer after Matthew Miller sent a backheel flick Shaffery’s way, who then shot his kick through the left side and past goalkeeper Drew Johnson to knot the score at 1-1.
Tensions were high as both teams know the game could cause a seismic shift atop the RMAC standings. CMU and CSM continued to apply pressure throughout the first half. James McGhee nearly gave the Mavericks the 2-1 lead but his header shot hit the post and ricocheted back into play.
Briley Guarneri delivered for the Mavericks in the second half. The senior secured three saves within the final ten minutes, including a shot by defending RMAC Player of the Year John Haist for Mines in the 88th minute. Haist came into the contest as the leading goal scorer in the RMAC with 15 goals.
Each team had their chance to take the lead during the second half but were unable to take advantage of their opportunities. The Mavericks kicked three shots during the latter period compared to the Oredigger’s 10. CMU’s defense played an integral part in the contest, even though CSM continued to apply pressure.
King, who had good looks throughout the game, nearly nailed a game-winner during the first overtime period but Guarneri was there to register the save.
The Mavericks had two opportunities to capture the upset in the second overtime but Shaffery’s and Miller’s shots were blocked and high over the goal.
Shaffery finished with a goal on four shots, Miller had two shots and one assist. Lawan Abary was the only other Maverick with multiple shots.
CMU moves to 9–1-4 with the draw while Mines sits at 13-1-1. There is still time for either team to make a serious push to grab a comfortable lead, but with few games left in the regular season, opportunities are running short.
Each team just has three games left in regular season play. The Orediggers currently lead the RMAC with a 10-0-1 record, but the Mavericks aren’t far behind with a 7-1-3 record.
CMU’s next opponent is South Dakota Mines who will come into the game with a 2-10-3 record. The two will play in Rapid City on Sunday at 11 am.
