RAPID CITY, S.D. – MSU Denver men's soccer came up short in a defensive battle Thursday, falling 1-0 to South Dakota Mines at Dakota Fields.
The Roadrunners (5-3-3, 2-2-0 RMAC) and Hardrockers (6-3-3, 2-2-1 RMAC) played through a scoreless first half before South Dakota Mines broke through in the 61st minute. Zach Peroff scored at 60:03 off an assist from Erik Castanon, providing the game's only goal.
MSU Denver goalkeeper Dominic Miller kept the Roadrunners within striking distance throughout the contest, recording four saves across 90 minutes. South Dakota Mines goalkeeper Claudio Otto made three saves to preserve the shutout.
Both teams generated opportunities early, with MSU Denver putting five shots toward goal in the opening half. Riley Galloway and Jacob Tims each forced a save from Otto, while Charlie Lucero and Markus Beck also tested the Hardrockers' defense. South Dakota Mines held an 8-5 advantage in shots at halftime, but neither side found the back of the net.
Miller helped maintain the deadlock after the break, stopping attempts from Castanon and Shon West before denying Nickolas North in the minutes leading up to Peroff's decisive goal. South Dakota Mines finished with 13 shots, including five on goal, compared with 11 shots and three on target for MSU Denver.
Trailing by one, the Roadrunners continued to push for an equalizer. Galloway and Lucero generated second-half chances, and MSU Denver earned two consecutive corner kicks in the 71st minute as it looked to create an opening. Lucero put another shot on target in the 83rd minute, but Otto made the save to keep the Roadrunners off the scoreboard.
MSU Denver finished even with South Dakota Mines in corner kicks at four apiece, while the Hardrockers held a 15-11 edge in fouls. Despite the late pressure, the Roadrunners could not find the equalizer before the final whistle.
The Roadrunners will look to bounce back Sunday on the road against Regis.
