The Mavericks were able to tie Colorado School of Mines (CSM) 0-0 throughout 110 minutes of play on Saturday night but will advance as the Mavericks beat the Orediggers in Penalty Kicks (PK).
Redshirt junior goalkeeper Connor Durant was a brick wall in front of the goal all night as he only allowed the Orediggers to two goals in the PK round.
“ It was surreal honestly, the last penalty shootout I was 16 so that was about eight years ago. The biggest thing was that I trusted Bautista, our assistant coach and there was so much confidence that was instilled in me through the players, through the coaches that it just all came full circle. Going into it we were all confident and I always tell them if they have my back, I’ll have theirs and I think that is what happened tonight,” Durant said.
Durant talked about doing his job as a goalkeeper during the PK rounds like his team was there for him during the game. He credited all the guys who played for flying around the field and blocking shots and putting on a good defensive show as well.
“ They did that for me in the game, it came to the point where I had to be there for them and I just wanted to step up and be there for my team because they have always had my back all season and that is truly the best part about this team is that we truly are a family all 43 of us,” Durant said.
Redshirt sophomore forward Alec Fronapfel, redshirt junior midfielder Colton Shafer and redshirt junior defender Ethan Anderson all made their PKs for the Mavericks. Anderson’s PK was what can be called the winning goal in the game.
Anderson talked about his approach when shooting one-on-one with the Orediggers goalie.
“A lot of people have different styles but mine I knew exactly where I wanted to take it. It is just when I am standing at half I am visioning in my head of me walking up hitting it exactly where I want to and then going to celebrate with my team,” Anderson said.
It was a defensive battle from both teams. Each team took five shots or less on the goal the entire game. Having played each other once before in the regular season and playing in the same conference each team knew what the others strengths were.
“There were a lot of big moments in this game and we know that they are a very good set piece team. So, it is all about picking those moments and battling and having fight I mean every game from here on out is going to be a battle like this so we have to step up to the plate,” Anderson said.
The Mavericks will have some time to practice and recover before they have to California to take on a very tough Cal State L.A team. The game will be on Dec.2 in Los Angeles, Cali.
