COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – MSU Denver battled back from an early 1-0 deficit and took the lead before settling for a 2-2 draw against No. 3 UCCS on Thursday evening at Mountain Lion Stadium.
The Roadrunners (2-1-3) erased a one-goal halftime deficit with a pair of goals early in the second half, but UCCS answered with a goal in the 78th minute to force the draw. Thursday's match did not count toward either team's RMAC record.
UCCS struck first in the 22nd minute when Lucas Taitt finished a pass from Cole Wearner to give the Mountain Lions a 1-0 advantage.
After being held scoreless through the opening 45 minutes, MSU Denver quickly turned the match around after halftime.
Ismael Reyes tied the match in the 56th minute, converting a penalty kick for his team-leading fourth goal of the season. Reyes has scored goals in back-to-back matches and in four of the first six matches to kick off the 2026 campaign.
Just over a minute later, Bryan Vazquez put the Roadrunners in front. Vazquez fired home his second career goal as a Roadrunner in the 57th minute to give MSU Denver a 2-1 lead.
The Roadrunners continued to generate opportunities throughout the second half, but UCCS found the equalizer in the 78th minute when Yohann Fila scored.
MSU Denver had to withstand pressure from the Mountain Lions down the stretch, with goalkeeper Dominic Miller making two saves on the night. UCCS also had a penalty kick in the 78th minute that Miller saved before the Mountain Lions eventually leveled the match.
The Roadrunners finished with 15 shots, including six on goal, while UCCS recorded 18 shots and four shots on target. MSU Denver goalkeeper Miller made two saves, while UCCS goalkeeper Charlie Lewis made four saves.
Bryan Vazquez led the Roadrunners with five shots, while Reyes and Rhyson Johnston each added two. Kenji McCracken, Dominic Athearn and Henry Knoll each put a shot on frame off the bench.
UCCS held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks, while MSU Denver was whistled for 19 fouls compared with 15 for the Mountain Lions.
The Roadrunners now return home for their Homecoming matchup against Westminster on Sunday at noon at the Assembly Athletic Complex.
