Rapid City, SD – The Cougars traveled to South Dakota Mines Saturday afternoon, taking on the Hardrockers at Dakota Fields. South Dakota Mines would find the back of the net twice in each half, handing Colorado Christian a 4-0 loss on the road.
The Hardrockers started on the front foot immediately, forcing
Campbell Wolfgram into several saves in the opening minutes. Both sides would trade possession as the Cougars looked to find their footing, earning a pair of corner kicks in the opening 20 minutes. South Dakota Mines would break through in the 22nd minute, as Lucas Miranda found the back of the net off back post cross to give the hosts the 1-0 advantage.
The Cougars continued to battle, looking to find an equalizer before the halftime whistle. Despite increased efforts, the Hardrockers would extend their lead in the 34th minute, ripping a shot into the top right corner from outside the 18, doubling their lead before the whistle.
South Dakota Mines would waste little time adding to its advantage in the second half. A turnover in the middle of the field would see South Dakota Mines on the counter, curling a shot just over the hands of Wolfgram to find the 3-0 lead.
The Cougars continued to search for opportunities going forward,
Kylar Carr putting a shot on target in the 51st minute and forcing a save from the South Dakota Mines goalkeeper. The Hardrockers would add one more in the 64th minute to make it a 4-0 contest.
Colorado Christian continued to push late in the match, with
Connor Hanks nearly finding the back of the net in the 82nd minute.
Nathaniel Norton would also put a shot on target in the closing minutes, but the Cougars were unable to find the back of the net as the final whistle sounded.
Campbell Wolfgram finished the afternoon with six saves, while the Cougars recorded six shots and six corner kicks on the day.
Now 2-3 in conference play, the Cougars host #23 ranked UCCS this upcoming Friday. Looking to upset the Mountain Lions, kickoff is set at Trailblazer Stadium for October 16
th at 11am.
