Colorado School of Mines held their RMAC trophy high after their 2-0 victory over Colorado Mesa University as the Orediggers crowded the middle of the field in celebration. The Mavericks found themselves on the losing end of the RMAC Championship against Colorado School of Mines for the second year in a row.

The fact the Mavericks made the RMAC Championship for the fourth year in a row shows the pool of talent that has competed for years and the leadership Head coach Todd Padgett and Assistant coach Stann Schrock bestowed upon the student-athletes. This has been a journey that everyone associated with this team will remember. Even so, their journey isn’t over.

The Oredigger’s defense was stout all afternoon. A defense that led the RMAC with just 13 goals allowed and 10 shutouts was as advertised against the Mavericks. Multiple Mines players made sliding plays and key steals. CSM goalkeeper Drew Johnson didn’t make things any easier for CMU as the redshirt junior had five saves on 13 shots faced, acting as an impenetrable stonewall.

The Mavericks had some good looks throughout the contest, especially in the second half but the RMAC’s #1 team and Division II’s #5 ranked Orediggers, whose record is 18-1-1, showed up defensively.

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After a swift steal by Nial Shaffery in the 20th minute, Lawan Abary, who struggled to get going throughout the match, found his first opportunity to continue his clutch postseason antics. Abary again found himself on a one on three and had the advantage out wide but Jason Zobott, the 2018 RMAC Defensive Player of the Year, made a sliding block to prevent any damage.

The worst of the worst occurred for the Mavericks in the 30th minute. CSM midfielder Tristan Semelsberger was working the left of the goal down the sideline when he sent a cross from the end line that ricocheted off the chest of Maverick Chris Boyd and deflected to the right side of the post for the score. Boyd, along with other Maverick players, were in clear disbelief due to the unlucky goal. Nonetheless, the Orediggers had a 1-0 lead.

The Mavericks kicked four shots to the Oredigger’s three in the first half. CMU keeper Briley Guarneri didn’t record a save, but the goal that had unlucky positioning was the only difference in the game. The defense was the story in the first half as both sides stepped up by eliminating momentum passes, forcing players to retreat to a more patient approach.

The Orediggers found an opening out of halftime and struck after the first minute to grab a 2-0 lead. The dynamic John Haist put the finishing touches on a pass from Ford Edwards. Edwards sent a soft pass from 18 yards out down the middle to Haist who worked next to two Maverick defenders and pushed his kick just to the right of Guarneri.

Haist, who led the RMAC in goals, ranks fourth in all of Division II with 23 goals.

CMU’s offense started to open up after 10 minutes into the second half. Kevin Del Mazo had a look that went wide and Peter Vandam stroked a beaming shot towards Johnson that went wide right by inches. Del Mazo let it loose in the 58th minute and delivered a strike that had too much steam on it and went high over the post.

Game time forced CMU into an aggressive play style. Breakdowns began to occur in the defense for the Orediggers but the Mavericks were unable to either generate enough zip on a kick or work both sides of the field.

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Johnson made a leaping save from Del Mazo’s shot. Del Mazo placed the ball perfectly in the top left corner of the post but Johnson’s heroics continued to play a part in the shutout.

After the contest, Haist was named MVP of the RMAC Tournament. Abary, Del Mazo, and James McGhee were named to the All-Tournament team.

Although the Mavericks were on the short end of a season goal once again, that doesn’t take away the successful year they’ve had. This group displayed consistency, leadership, and poise all season long. The talent was there and their depth was key. This group made it to the RMAC final four years in a row. A tremendous feat for a team who loves the game.

Coming up short will sting, as it should. But there’s nothing to hang heads on after flashes of brilliance in each and every contest. The fans got to experience competitive matches and slick, smooth plays.

Fortunately for the 13-3-4 Mavericks, their win against Westminster in the semifinal put them in position to earn their fifth straight NCAA Division II Tournament berth, earning the No. 4 seed in the South Central Region. 

The Mavericks will face MSU-Texas for the fifth straight year in the NCAA tournament. Game time is set for 1 pm on Sunday, Nov. 11 at Stang Park in Wichita Falls, TX.