RAPID CITY, S.D. --- After a disappointing home stand over the weekend, the South Dakota School of Mines men's soccer team will hit the road for Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchups against CSU-Pueblo on Friday and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs on Sunday.

It was a difficult weekend for the Hardrockers, facing No. 21 Colorado Mesa on Friday and Westminster College on Sunday. The Hardrockers came out in the first half of the Mesa game and shutout the reigning RMAC champs and had a few scoring opportunities during the match. Unfortunately, the Mavericks found their stride in the second half and proved why they have been nationally ranked all season, putting up four goals to SD Mines' one.

Sunday's match against Westminster College was a different story.  The 'Rockers came ready to play. The home squad outshot the Griffins, 9-2, in the first half but entered a 0-0 result at the break. Both teams found the scoresheet by way of penalty kicks in the second half, which sent the game into overtime. During the second OT, the Griffins found the game winner with a looping header that beat the back line and goalie of SD Mines as the Hardrockers suffered the heartbreaking defeat.

Looking ahead to this weekend, the Hardrockers will undoubtedly be challenged when they face two strong RMAC opponents. Friday will see the Hardrockers face a CSU-Pueblo team that is 2-9-3 on the season and 2-5-3 in the conference. That game is slated for 7 p.m. (MST).

The ThunderWolves are coming off a tough 3-0 loss to MSU Denver and a couple of draws against Colorado Christian and Westminster College. This will be an opportunity for the Hardrockers to dig deep and find its stride and get back in the win column.
Sunday's game will be held at UCCS where the Mountain Lions are 5-7-2 on the year, and 5-3-2 in the RMAC). The game is set to start at 2:30 p.m. (MST).

UCCS has won three out of their last four games, including a 3-1 win over the then No. 12 Colorado Mesa Mavericks. This will be a team the Hardrockers will have to be disciplined against. The Mountain Lions have scored multiple goals in all of their wins this season and have a potent attack that the Hardrockers will have to deal with.

Watch these games live via Stretch Internet and support the Hardrocker men's soccer team.