DENVER – The MSU Denver Roadrunners battled No. 1-ranked and defending national champion Midwestern State to a 2-2 draw Sunday afternoon at The Assembly Athletic Complex, earning a result against the nation's top-ranked team in their home finale of the opening weekend.
After a scoreless first half, all four goals came in an action-packed second half.
Rhyson Johnston put the Roadrunners in front in the 57th minute, heading home a pass from Ismael Reyes to record his first goal of the season. The assist gave Reyes his second of the season and continued his strong start to the 2026 campaign.
Midwestern State answered less than two minutes later, with Victor Hernandez finding the net in the 59th minute to even the score at 1-1. The Mustangs then took their first lead of the afternoon in the 64th minute when Jose Ortiz scored off an assist from Oscar Nunez.
Facing a deficit against the nation's top-ranked team, the Roadrunners responded once again.
In the 79th minute, Jace Starling delivered the equalizer, scoring off an assist from Aran Garza to bring MSU Denver level at 2-2. The goal was Starling's second of the season, moving him into a tie with Reyes for the team lead.
Neither team could find a decisive goal during the final 11 minutes, with MSU Denver holding Midwestern State scoreless down the stretch to secure the draw.
The Roadrunners finished with eight shots, putting five on frame, while the Mustangs recorded 10 shots with six on goal. Dominic Miller made four saves in goal for MSU Denver, including three in the second half, while Midwestern State goalkeeper Jake Morris made three saves.
MSU Denver also held its own in the corner-kick battle, with both teams earning four corners. The Roadrunners committed 12 fouls to 11 for the Mustangs.
The draw moves MSU Denver to 1-1-2 on the season and gives the Roadrunners a result against the No. 1 team in Division II and defending national champion.
