DENVER, Colo.-- The Adams State University men's soccer team surprised the MSU Denver Roadrunners in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) action on Sunday afternoon when they won their first game of the season while in the process, downing the Roadrunners for the first time in school history and spoiling MSU Denver's senior day festivities with a 3-1 win at the Assembly Athletic Complex.
The Grizzlies jumped on the scoreboard in the 35th minute when
Brayan Fernandez found the back of the goal for the first time this season with
Brendan Koplin getting an assist on the play. The score stayed that way through the first half before
Ranulfo Lopez scored his third goal of the year in the 74th minute as
Avery Richards feed him.
MSU Denver bounced back as Alex Rodriguez scored his fourth goal of the season in the 78th minute
But, pushing forward for an equalizer, the Roadrunners surrendered a game-clinching goal at with 1:15 left showing on the clock as
Brendan Koplin scored his fourth goal of the year as
Quincy MacDonald earned the assist.
The Roadrunners had overwhelming advantages in shots (27-8), shots on goal (8-3) and corner kicks (9-3) but stellar goalkeeping by
Logan Rabasca, who made five saves on the day for the win.
The Grizzlies, now 1-14-1 overall and 1-8-1 in the RMAC, are in tenth place while the Roadrunners are 9-5-2 overall and 3-4-1 in the RMAC. The Roadrunners are now in seventh place as they were unable to secure sole possession of sixth place in the standings.
"It was good to finally get a win on the season and my first as a head coach," said Head Coach
Justin Gilfert, who earned his first coach at the helm of the Grizzlies. "We've had an up and down season with some close games and unfortunate losses but the boys wanted it from the first whistle and played their butts off to get us the win. I couldn't of asked for anything more out of them as they gave their all."
This week will be the final week for the Grizzlies as they look to run their winning streak to two by hosting South Dakota Mines on Friday at 3:00 p.m. beforelooking to continue and play spoiler on senior day. Sunday is the final home game when the Regis Rangers come to town.
