RAPID CITY, S.D. – Everything was good for the Colorado Christian men's soccer team on the stat sheet, just not the scoreboard.
Despite holding advantages in significant offensive categories, the Cougars dropped a 3-2 decision to South Dakota Mines on a cool, breezy day in the Mount Rushmore State.
HOW IT HAPPENED: In the first half both teams got on the scoreboard in the 32nd minute. The home took a brief one-goal lead on a Garrett Bonzell goal. Moments later Liam Lakey scored for the Cougars on an assist from Zach Mercier to knot the score at 1-1.
The teams went into the locker room with one goal each despite the Cougars holding an 8-1 shot advantage. Lakey booted five total shots, four of which were on frame.
South Dakota Mines took a quick two-goal lead as they scored twice in the first seven-plus minutes of the second half. Evan McConnell scored first for the Hardrockers in the 49th minute then a Sterling McKenzie net-finder in the 53rd minute made the score 3-1.
Undaunted the Cougars made the score 3-2 when Lakey scored his second goal of the game. Dmitri Fabro provided the assist.
Down the stretch Colorado Christian tallied three more shots but couldn't find the equalizer.
COUGAR LEADERS: Lakey registered a game high eight shots. It was the most shots a Colorado Christian player has had this season. He is the first Colorado Christian player to score two times in a game since the 2013 season. Max Collingwood recorded four saves.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Colorado Christian held a 7-1 edge for corner kicks
- The Cougars outshot the Hardrockers 14-11 (9-7 shots on goal)
- Each team was whistled for 14 fouls
UP NEXT: The Cougars return to the Denver metro area as they conclude their four-game road swing. On Sunday they travel down Sixth Avenue for a 2:30 p.m. contest against Colorado School of Mines.
