DENVER – MSU Denver men's soccer snapped its three-match losing streak in emphatic fashion Sunday afternoon, taking down No. 16 UCCS 3-1 at the Assembly Athletic Complex.
The victory marked the Roadrunners' first win over the Mountain Lions since the 2023 season and their first home win against UCCS since 2021.
Jace Starling scored twice in the second half, while Jared Mojardin opened the scoring early as the Roadrunners improved to 6-5-3 overall and 3-4 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.
MSU Denver wasted little time getting on the board, as Mojardin found the back of the net in the fifth minute. Charlie Lucero and Bryan Vazquez assisted on the goal, giving the Roadrunners an early advantage.
UCCS responded in the 21st minute when Cole Wearner scored to even the match at 1-1. The teams remained level through the remainder of the first half, setting the stage for a decisive second-half performance from MSU Denver.
The Roadrunners regained the lead in the 56th minute when Starling finished a pass from Ismael Reyes to put MSU Denver ahead 2-1. Starling struck again in the 76th minute, once more converting a Reyes assist to extend the advantage to two goals and give the Roadrunners valuable breathing room late in the match.
Starling's brace made him the only Roadrunner this season to score multiple goals in a single match. The two-goal performance also pushed his team-leading total to five goals on the season. Reyes became the second Roadrunner this season to record two assists in a game, setting up both of Starling's second-half goals.
Mojardin's early strike marked his second goal of the season, while Lucero and Vazquez each recorded an assist on the opening goal.
MSU Denver finished with a 13-8 advantage in shots and put eight attempts on target compared to five for UCCS. The Roadrunners also held a 9-6 edge in shots in the second half, applying pressure after the break to turn a tied match into a two-goal victory. Goalkeeper Dominic Miller played all 90 minutes and recorded four saves to help preserve the result.
The victory was a significant result for the Roadrunners against a nationally ranked opponent, ending their three-match skid and providing momentum as they continue conference play.
Sunday's win also featured a special moment for one of MSU Denver's five seniors, as Zack Williams earned the start before exiting the match. Williams had not appeared in a game since the 2024 season due to injury, making his return to the starting lineup a meaningful moment for the senior as the Roadrunners celebrated a victory over the nationally ranked Mountain Lions.
MSU Denver returns to action Friday, traveling to face Westminster in its next RMAC matchup.
