DENVER – The Metropolitan State University of Denver men's soccer team picked up its first win of the 2026 season Friday night, shutting out Lubbock Christian 2-0 in its home opener at The Assembly Athletic Complex.
The Roadrunners (1-1-1) scored once in each half and held the Chaparrals (1-2) without a shot on goal to secure their first victory of the campaign.
MSU Denver opened the scoring in the 34th minute when an unfortunate Lubbock Christian own goal gave the Roadrunners a 1-0 advantage. The goal came after Lubbock Christian goalkeeper Milo Paci was forced to deal with pressure from the Roadrunners, with the visitors ultimately putting the ball into their own net.
The Roadrunners carried the one-goal lead into halftime despite Lubbock Christian playing much of the opening half with 10 men. LCU defender Finn Wijnen received a red card in the ninth minute, leaving the Chaparrals shorthanded for the remainder of the contest.
MSU Denver quickly doubled its advantage after halftime. In the 48th minute, Ismael Reyes found the back of the net off an assist from Charlie Lucero, giving the Roadrunners a 2-0 cushion. The goal marked Reyes' second of the young season after he also scored in MSU Denver's season opener against Western Oregon.
The Roadrunners' defense took care of the rest, limiting Lubbock Christian to just two total shots, one in each half. Neither of the Chaparrals' attempts found the target, allowing Dominic Miller to record his first shutout of the season without having to make a save.
MSU Denver finished the night with a 5-2 advantage in shots and put two attempts on goal, while Lubbock Christian was held without a shot on target. The Roadrunners also earned three corner kicks compared to one for the Chaparrals.
Friday's victory marked MSU Denver's first home win of the season and its first victory since the Roadrunners opened the 2026 campaign. Reyes now leads the team with two goals through the first three matches.
The Roadrunners will remain at home Sunday afternoon for another significant test, welcoming No. 1-ranked Midwestern State to The Assembly Athletic Complex.
