GOLDEN, Colo. — Three Roadrunners recorded their first goals in an MSU Denver uniform Thursday night, as MSU Denver defeated Colorado School of Mines 3-1 on the road at Stermole Soccer Stadium.
Henry Knoll, Jared Mojardin and Aran Garza each found the back of the net for the Roadrunners, with Knoll adding an assist as MSU Denver improved to 5-2-3 overall and 2-1-0 in RMAC play.
MSU Denver opened the scoring in the 38th minute when Knoll finished a chance following a free kick. Kenji McCracken played a cross from the end line into the middle, where Knoll converted to give the Roadrunners a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The Roadrunners continued to pressure after the break, but Mines eventually found an equalizer in the 71st minute when Pol Garcia Oliveras scored following a pair of headers that opened up a run toward goal.
MSU Denver answered less than three minutes later.
In the 74th minute, Knoll sent a through ball into the middle of the field for Mojardin, who finished inside the near post to put the Roadrunners back in front, 2-1.
Garza then provided the insurance in the 88th minute. After a shot hit the crossbar and deflected off the back of the Mines goalkeeper, Garza was credited with the goal, his first as a Roadrunner, to cap the scoring.
MSU Denver controlled the attacking numbers throughout the match, outshooting Mines 21-10 and putting six shots on target. The Roadrunners also held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.
Dominic Miller made three saves in goal to help preserve the victory.
The victory marked MSU Denver's fifth win of the season and second in RMAC play. Knoll finished with a goal and an assist, while Garza recorded three shots, all on target, and Mojardin added two shots with one on frame.
MSU Denver will return to action next Thursday, Oct. 8, when it travels to South Dakota Mines for an RMAC matchup.
