DENVER, Colo. --- Ever since Jordan Kadlec took over as head coach of the South Dakota School of Mines men's soccer team last season, he and his team has been searching for a signature win that proves the program can be a contender in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

That win finally came Friday night in Denver, Colo., against the MSU-Denver Roadrunners as SD Mines used an impressive second-half comeback to notch a 2-1 victory. The Roadrunners have been in and out of the national rankings all year. They are a well-established team with a solid program. But the Hardrockers and their "never-give-up" work ethic paid off with big dividends down the stretch in Friday's result.

MSU-Denver, who escaped last weekend in Rapid City with a 2-1 overtime win, was the aggressors in the first half of play Friday night, pressing the ball on SD Mines' side of the pitch the full 45 minutes. The home team went into the half with a 1-0 edge.

 The second half was a complete turnaround as the Hardrockers were able to counter the Roadrunners' assault and put together their first successful run in the 84^th minute when senior Erik Fenske put back a rebound shot to knot the game, 1-1.

Less than two minutes later SD Mines again countered MSU-Denver's attack when SD Mines punted a long ball that dropped over the Roadrunner defense, it was handled by senior David Cabrera who then advanced to freshman Justin Barkow who blasted it into the net from 18-yards out for the 2-1 advantage and eventual win.

"Fantastic win tonight for our guys," Kadlec said. "I'm especially happy for our seniors who have worked their entire careers for a win like this.

"Erik Fenske was so solid at the back and got his first goal of the season. Andreas Skau played a new position in the second half and was superb. Thomas Stasiak put in a great 45 minutes in the first half and held us together in the last five minutes when we were holding on. David Cabrera really bought into his role at right mid and his work ethic on the second goal was ultimately the difference tonight. 

"Justin Barkow's game-winning goal proved again that he is one of the best players in the conference. Kyle Daledovich made some huge saves throughout the entire game that kept us alive as well. It was truly a team win."
 
MSU-Denver had 17 shots on the night (eight on goal) to eight for SD Mines (five on goal). Fenske and Barkow both had two shot while Stasiak, Lane Schroeder and Skau all added one shot each. Daledovich had another stellar night as goalkeeper with seven saves in the game.
 
The win gives SD Mines a 2-10 overall record and 2-7 mark in the RMAC. MSU-Denver falls to 7-5-1 for the year and 5-3-1 in the conference. Next up, SD Mines travels to Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday for an afternoon match against UCCS.