DENVER – Non-conference play drew to a close Sunday with the MSU Denver men's soccer team falling 2-1 at home to Fort Lewis.
But the Roadrunners continue moving forward even in a frustrating defeat in a non-conference game against a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opponent.
"It's really just moments," MSU Denver coach
Nick Kirchhof said. "Overall I was really pleased with how we played. I think we executed the game plan well and created more chances, had more shots. In soccer, unfortunately, sometimes this happens.
"We've just got to find a way to turn the page and keep moving, because we're close. We're not getting outplayed or dominated. That's the frustration – we're doing some good things, but we're making key mistakes in key moments. I'm pleased with the effort and with how we went about things."
MSU Denver (2-4-2) scored first, as
Aidan Bates exquisitely finished with his left foot a well-placed pass in front from
Logan Hitzeman at 16:48.
"We talk about those specific things, those movements, and Logan put in a fantastic ball and Aidan put it back on target," Kirchhof said. "That's exactly what we've coached and exactly what we look for."
But Fort Lewis scored the equalizer just 40 seconds later.
"That's a key moment, after we score, or after any goal period," Kirchhof said. "We haven't been tuned in and sharp on those."
The Skyhawks (4-2-1) then scored the game-winner just 3:02 into the second half.
Despite continuing to work and create opportunities, and forcing Fort Lewis goalkeeper Lucas Martin to make a total of eight saves for the game, the Roadrunners couldn't put another one in the net. MSU Denver had a 16-8 advantage in shots and had nine shots on goal to three by the Skyhawks.
MSU Denver opens league play Thursday at Division II No. 3 CSU Pueblo and plays on the road again Sunday at No. 25 UCCS.
"We've shown that we have good depth," Kirchhof said. "We had a handful of guys out injured and we were still competing and doing well. We're really looking forward to starting the conference with a clean slate."
