Ranger Men's Soccer Ties 15th-Ranked Colorado Mines 1-1

Denver, Colo.: The Regis University men's soccer team remains unbeaten in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play after a tough-fought 1-1 tie with 15th-ranked Colorado Mines.  The Rangers, now 2-0-3 in conference play, gained one point to stay in fourth place in the RMAC, just one point behind Mines and Metro State.

Coach McCall states, “Whenever you play Mines it is going to be a tough match, especially when they are ranked in the top 15.  I just think that our kids know how to believe in themselves and that they can play and can be effective against most teams, even the top 20 teams.”

Regis (4-2-3 overall) got on the board early as senior James Copeland scored his first goal of the season.  Sophomore Nate Kafer crossed the ball into the middle to freshman Patrick Freeman who took a blast at the goal, however, Mines' freshman goalkeeper Manville Strand saved the ball but could not control it.  Copeland was in the right place at the right time as he took the deflection and put it past Strand with just over five minutes gone by.

Colorado Mines (7-1-3, 3-1-1 RMAC) was able to get the goal back when at the 19:14 mark in the first period, Phil Wilson took a cross from Cale Hass and scored past sophomore keeper Ben Sabados to knot the score.

The two teams went into halftime tied at one.  That score would hold up in the second half, but it wasn't that each team didn't have chances, they did.  Regis took nine shots in the second half and Mines attempted eight.  Strand stymied the Ranger offense earning six saves in the second half and eight overall.

"Our roster is very deep, comments McCall. "I just thought that everybody that participated contributed to how we’re playing and it’s enjoyable to coach them. James Copeland worked extremely hard today and Donnie Montoya is a senior and one of leaders.  He has been extremely effective and positive for the team and is really helping us play our best soccer. He’s a good leader on the field.”

Following a freak collision with just under six minutes remaining in regulation, Sabados was replaced by senior Wally Fink.  Sabados had two saves in the second half and five for the match. 

In the first overtime Regis had three shots while Mines had just one.  The defense got even tighter in the second overtime as Mines attempted one shot and Regis none.

The 15th-ranked Orediggers came to the Regis Match Pitch expecting a tough battle and that is exactly what they got.  Regis has been playing up to their competition's level this season as evidenced by the unblemished mark in RMAC play.

Regis outshot Mines 21-20 in the match led by six shots from freshman Patrick Bonitatibus and junior Nathan Kafer.  Regis also had a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks and had nine shots on goal compared to six for the Orediggers.

McCall also says, “I just thought that we battled them physically. I thought that we absorbed a lot of pressure from them.  Our success is a result of our strenght as a team and our chemistry is very good right now. Whenever you have talent, good work ethic, and good chemistry I think you’re going to be dangerous.”

Regis will travel to Colorado Christian on Sunday to take on the Crusaders at 1:00 p.m.

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