RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines soccer team starts the season with a pair of games at home against St. Cloud State University.
 
The Hardrocker soccer team brings back a large amount of its' roster from last season, will will rely on this experience and a group of newcomers to push the program to the next level this season. "This is year three, and we feel that we have laid the foundation to be a successful team this year", said head coach Ryan Thompson, we want to go after some program history and that all starts with the culture we have established for the team on and off the field."
 
The South Dakota Mines soccer team returns 2020 All-RMAC second-team performer Brenton Brakke who is expected to help stabilize a defensive group that gave up over two goals per game last season. "Brenton is our rock back there with Tyler Ring", said Thompson, you have two individuals who you can rely on game after game."
 
At goalie, Tyler Ring will be looking to add to his already esteemed career, holding most shots seen in program history. Behind him, Freshman Kole Villescas is someone the coaches feel can make an impact at some point this season if needed. 
 
On the attacking side, the Hardrockers will lean on Garrett Cole, Phil Leano, and George Martinez to help bolster the shot and goal opportunities. The Rockers have also cultivated a lot of depth in the attack with a few notable freshmen. Coach Thompson says this has been the hardest group to separate during preseason. "With that group it can be a toss up at times with who is going to start and play when. We feel that there are about eight or so guys who can come on any night and find success."
 
In the middle of the pitch, the SD Mines soccer team brings back plenty of experience in seniors Logan Juergens, Brennan Lamoreaux, Darik Dudley as well as others.
 
The Hardrocker soccer team starts off the season with an upstart program in St. Cloud State University, with games at 6:00 p.m. at Dakota Fields on Friday, and Saturday night.
 
"After a strong preseason we feel like this team can sit on the cusp of program history, but it will be up to the team and their preparation said Coach Thompson. We feel we have the right group here, but we must find a way to eliminate the mistakes of the past. We've been preaching since day one that if this group can stay focused and opportunistic, they will find the success they are looking for."