DENVER — MSU Denver opened Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play in convincing fashion Friday night, scoring three times in the opening 28 minutes on its way to a 3-1 victory over Adams State at the Assembly Athletic Complex.
The Roadrunners improved to 4-1-3 overall and 1-0 in RMAC play with their seventh consecutive match without a loss. MSU Denver will remain home Sunday afternoon to host Fort Lewis at noon.
Riley Galloway got the Roadrunners on the board in the 12th minute, scoring the first goal of his MSU Denver career. Colin McKenna provided the assist, marking the first of two helpers on the night for the midfielder.
Just under seven minutes later, Jace Starling doubled the advantage with his third goal of the season. McKenna again found the Roadrunners' forward, giving him a team-high four assists on the season while Starling moved into sole possession of second on the team in goals.
Rhyson Johnston added MSU Denver's third goal in the 28th minute, finishing a feed from John Lucio to give the Roadrunners a 3-0 lead. The goal marked Johnston's second of the season.
Adams State answered late in the opening half when Benton Bradford scored in the 42nd minute, cutting the deficit to 3-1 heading into halftime.
The Roadrunners controlled the match throughout, finishing with a 19-4 advantage in shots and an 8-3 edge in shots on goal. MSU Denver also held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. Dominic Miller made two saves in goal to help preserve the two-goal advantage.
Starling led all players with six shots and three shots on goal, while McKenna recorded four shots and two shots on target to go along with his two assists. Galloway and Johnston each put one shot on frame and converted those opportunities.
Friday's result continued MSU Denver's recent success against Adams State. The Roadrunners entered the night 16-1 all-time against the Grizzlies, including a three-match winning streak in which they had outscored Adams State 12-0.
The Roadrunners now turn their attention to another RMAC matchup Sunday, when Fort Lewis visits the Assembly Athletic Complex for a noon kickoff. The Skyhawks enter the weekend at 3-2-2.
