Mines Comes From Behind To Stymie No. 24 Roadrunners

GOLDEN – Colorado School of Mines men's soccer rallied with two second half scores to complete a tightly contested 2-1 come-from-behind win against crosstown rival and NSCAA 24th-ranked Metro State at CSM Soccer Stadium.

With scoring opportunities at a premium, the Orediggers (7-1-1, 5-1 RMAC) twice capitalized on set piece situations, beginning 2:41 into the second half as sophomore Joe Haines sent an eight-yard rebound to center net after a direct kick by senior Tesho Akindele was blocked by a wall of defenders.

Junior Jared Herselman provided the go-ahead score with 6:09 remaining in regulation, lofting a deep, left wing free kick from 38 yards to the right post that Metro State keeper Keegan Hand was unable to corral before it bounded over the line.

The goals were the first of the season for Haines and Herselman, while Akindele, credited with his RMAC-leading fifth assist, moved within one of tying former teammate Alex Nass (30; 2009-12) for second in the Mines record book with 29 collegiate assists.

After suffering three shutout losses to Mines last season, Danny Arrubla staked Metro State its first lead in the series since Oct. 21, 2011, connecting on a 12-yard shot at 1:48 via a short, right wing cross by Brenden Hughes.

The Roadrunners (5-2-3, 3-1-2 RMAC), the last unbeaten in RMAC games entering play today, held the upper hand in shots (12-11) and corner tries (7-5), while the Orediggers led 7-4 in shots on goal.

Herselman finished with a game-high three looks on target, Haines had two attempts on goal, and Akindele and junior Adrian Eccles each recorded one.

Senior Colin Baker improved to 7-1-1 with his third straight 2-1 decision in net, denying three shots.

The men resume their three-game home swing through Golden at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 against Adams State (5-4, 3-3 RMAC).