Grand Junction, Colo. - The Colorado Mesa University Men's Soccer Team will commence the conference portion of their schedule this week as they open RMAC play with a couple of matches against Regis University and South Dakota School of Mines.
CMU will first take on Regis University in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. before heading up to Rapid City, S.D. on Sunday, Oct. 6 to take South Dakota Mines at 1 p.m.
Through seven games this season the Mavs currently boast a 3-3-1 record and in their last two matches have been defeated by ranked opponents by one goal each. CMU was closely defeated by #5 UCCS 2-1 before just falling short to #18 Fort Lewis College 1-0.
While the Mavs have lost their previous two games, they still have outscored opponents this season 13-7. Their scoring average of 1.875 goals per game is currently third best in the conference. They rank fourth in the conference in shots taken with 93.
11 different Mavericks have all scored this year with only two players having more than one goal. Those two include Matteo Bonelli and Kensho Negi who both have scored two goals apiece.
Six different players have tallied an assist, but Marc Bonafe stands above the rest as he currently has four assists to lead the team and be tied for second in the conference's lead in assists.
Defensively the Mavs have been solid as they currently are only allowing 1.00 goal per game this season and have totaled three shutouts so far. Goalkeeper Diego Chavez has notched 32 saves while facing 119 shots from opponents.
The Rangers of Regis University will be the Mavs' first opponent this week and to this point have played to a 1-2-5 record. The Rangers started the season with four-straight ties and their only win comes from a 2-0 decision over Colorado School of Mines.
They have only scored seven goals this season compared to their opponent's eight. They have been shut out three times in their eight matches.
Elias Taubo and Ignacio Bellina both lead the Rangers with two goals each with Bellina having the team's only game-winner.
In contrast to their slow offense, Regis has one of the best defenses in the leagues as they only give up 1.00 goals per game. Their goalkeeping crew has recorded 26 saves on 94 shots faced.
Following Thursday's game, CMU will finish their week against South Dakota School of Mines who is currently winless on the season with an 0-7 record.
They have been outscored by opponents 4-22 this year and have only scored one goal in their last three matches. Four different players have scored those goals, with Jayden Roque being the only player on the team to record a goal and assist this season.
The Hardrockers' give up 3.60 goals per game and have only totaled 22 saves from their goalkeeping crew.
South Dakota Mines is currently in last place of the conference with Regis in third to last place. RMAC play begins for the entire conference this week.
Both of this week's matches can be watched on the RMAC Network with live stats being able to be followed on each school's athletics website.
