RAPID CITY, S.D. --- It has been two weeks since the South Dakota School of Mines men's soccer team has faced Westminster College and Colorado Mesa University. The Hardrockers had their longest road trip of the season when they faced off in Salt Lake City, Utah and then traveled to Grand Junction, Colo., to challenge the Mavericks during Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.  
 
The results did not go in favor of SD Mines as the Hardrockers fell 3-1 to both outings. The score line, however, does not do the games justice, as the 'Rockers put up a fight in both games. They just fell short trying to keep the tempo high.
 
Against Westminster College, the Hardrockers came out firing in the first half nearly finding the back of the net on several chances. SD Mines sophomore Justin Barkow had a great chance that struck the post off of a side volley crossed in by senior Lars Skau. Barkow finished the first half with four shots and two on goal. The game was deadlocked at the break for the Hardrockers.
 
A tale of two half's is what the Hardrockers experienced. The Griffins capitalized on two mistakes from the visitors and made them pay, scoring seven minutes apart. The Hardrockers found the back of the net a little too late when Charles Kieffer scored in the 87th minute to make it 3-1.
 
A similar story plagued SD Mines soccer in their visit to Grand Junction. A very strong first half performance saw the Hardrockers tied with then No. 12 Mavericks at the half. Sitting at 1-1, the Hardrockers tried to withstand the pressure of the Mavericks and were unsuccessful as they put two more away to close out the match.
 
This weekend will prove to be a big test for the SD Mines men's soccer team. They will look to steal some points from the conference favorites on Friday afternoon when they play No. 20 Colorado Mesa at Sioux park in a 1 p.m. (MST) contest.
 
The Mavericks are coming off a 3-1 defeat at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs this past Sunday, which knocked them down to the third spot in the RMAC rankings.
 
Meanwhile the Griffins of Westminster College are coming off a 2-2 draw against CSU-Pueblo, where the Griffins found themselves down, 2-0, in the second half and rallied to get a point. That game will take place at 11 a.m. (MST) at Sioux Park on Sunday.
 
 Games can be live streamed with commentary on stretch internet.