Grand Junction, Colo. - The Colorado Mesa University Men's Soccer Team would battle a resilient Colorado School of Mines Men's Soccer squad this evening, but in the end would fall short as they were defeated 2-1. Mines would convert on a decisive penalty kick in the 80th minute to secure the victory.
Following this loss the Mavs are still searching for their first win of conference play and now have a record of 3-5-2 (0-2-1 RMAC). Colorado School of Mines would earn their second win of the season with tonight's decision as they now move to 2-9 (1-2 RMAC).
Marc Bonafe would score the Mavs' lone goal in tonight's match as he now has totaled three goals on the season. He is now the team leader in both goals (3) and assists (4).
In just the second time the Mavs have been at home this season, the first 45 minutes of the match would start scoreless as both teams would enter the half 0-0. There would only be a combined seven shots taken with CMU taking five.
The second half would be where all the action began as in the next 45 minutes there would be three goals scored, five cards assessed and one penalty kick attempted.
Mines would start the action as they scored their first goal of the night in the 57th minute on a goal by Gabe Rodriguez to give the Orediggers a 1-0 lead. His goal would be assisted by Russell Smith.
CMU would bounce back to tie the match in the 62nd minute when Justin Ibrahim would cross the ball to Bonafe in the box leading to him heading it into the top left corner of the net and making the score now 1-1. This would Ibrahim's second assist of the year.
All four of the Mavs cards would be issued in the next 18 minutes following their goal and ultimately it was a red card assessed to Shane Bryan in the 80th minute that led to the Mavs playing a man down and giving the Orediggers' a penalty kick opportunity.
Rodriguez would be called on to attempt the penalty kick for Mines and in his attempt, he was successful as the ball rocketed into the top left corner of the net to lift the Orediggers to a 2-1 lead.
The Mavs have only faced three penalty kicks all season and tonight's red card was the first time they have received one this year.
Colorado Mesa attempted eight shots with four on goal in tonight's match but were out shot by Mines as they took 16 with nine on goal.
Diego Chavez would total seven saves in the box to raise his season total to 53.
The CMU Men's Soccer Team will now head to the Mile High City this Sunday as they take on the Roadrunners of Metropolitain State University Denver in another RMAC contest. Game time is set for 11 a.m. at Assembly Athletic Complex. Streaming can be watched on the RMAC Network.
