RAPID CITY, S.D. --- South Dakota Mines' soccer team is hosting a pair of conference matchups this weekend and holding their senior day on Sunday.
The Hardrockers hope to get back on the winning track, after a pair of losses to open up RMAC play.
GAME INFORMATION
Fort Lewis
Date/Time: Oct. 6 / 6:00 p.m.
Site: Rapid City, S.D.
Stadium: Dakota Fields
Series Overall: Fort Lewis leads 7-0.
Streak: Fort Lewis Won 7
Series at South Dakota Mines: Fort Lewis leads 4-0.
Streak at South Dakota Mines: Fort Lewis Won 4
Last Meeting: Fort Lewis won in Durango, 2-0 (10/23/2022).
Watch Live: RMAC Network | www.rmacsports.com/sdmines
Adams State
Date/Time: Oct. 8 / 1:00 p.m.
Site: Alamosa, Colo.
Stadium: Dakota Fields
Series Overall: Adams State leads 5-2-4.
Streak:South Dakota Mines Won 1
Series at South Dakota Mines: Adams State leads 2-1-1.
Streak at South Dakota Mines: Adams State Won 1
Last Meeting: South Dakota Mines won in Alamosa, 2-1 (9/24/2023).
Watch Live: RMAC Network |
www.rmacsports.com/sdmines
TRENDING UP
Despite a 2-8 record, the Hardrockers have looked different this year, fighting all 90 minutes throughout games, and putting up several good results including a pair of early wins.
FINDING THE BACK OF THE NET
The Hardrockers have been inconsistent offensively, with shots and chances that are unable to be converted, but then also having games where they're able to find the net such as the games against Adams State and Colorado Mesa.
STRONG SET PIECES
Historically, South Dakota Mines has not been great on set pieces, but this year they have had several chances to finish off set pieces and continue to be dangerous there.
FABULOUS FREITAS
Despite the results and giving up six goals, Freitas was fantastic in goal over the past week, recording double-digit saves in both games. Against Westminster, Freitas saw 28 shots, with 13 of them coming on goal, and made 11 saves. He also stood on his head in the game against Colorado Mesa doing his part to keep the team in the game until late, seeing 23 shots with 16 on goal and 12 saves.
MILESTONES
The Hardrockers continue to move the bar up, as they have now won two of their last three games for the first time in school history. Winning two road games in the same season is also a first. With a recent assist,
Hayden Jaramillo moved within one of tying the career school record. Last week the RMAC announced its players of the week, and
Rider Grow earned the Defensive Player of the Week award after a game-winning goal, making the first time a Hardrocker has earned a weekly award from the RMAC since 2017. The Hardrockers are creeping closer to the single season wins mark of 4.
SCOUTING FORT LEWIS
Fort Lewis is having a strong season to begin it, owning a 5-2-2 record with a 1-0-1 conference mark.
They opened up RMAC play last week with a 4-1 victory at Adams State, before tying Colorado Christian 1-1 at home.
Gabriel Legendre returns as one of the top players in the RMAC after being named Second Team All-Conference last season. He is currently one of the top scorers in the RMAC, having scored six goals and had 16 shots on goal for a percentage of 48.5. Loic Jean-Baptiste also returns as a 2022 honorable mention. He has started a bit slowly with two goals.
The Skyhawks have gotten a big contribution from Swedish freshman Anton Hjalmarsson as he has scored 5 goals.
Offense is the name of the game for the Skyhawks, averaging 2.222 goals per game to come in second in the RMAC. They are also second in total shots and third in shots on goal.
SCOUTING ADAMS STATE
Adams State has struggled this season, yet to win a game through eight matches.
In their last five matches, including their first two of RMAC play at home, the Grizzlies have been outscored 20-4.
Ranulfo Lopez is their top offensive threat as he has scored 3 goals and boasts a shot on goal percentage of 58.3.
Zach Carr and Charles Manthe have split time in the net but seen similar results with Carr allowing 3 goals per game, and Manthe allowing 3.40 goals per game.
LOOKING AHEAD
Following the pair of home games this weekend, the Hardrockers are back at it with a pair in Denver to begin a three-game road trip as they take on MSU Denver and Colorado School of Mines.
About South Dakota Mines
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and NCAA Division II offering 13 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletic programs. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 members, as well as four associate members, located in the states of California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah.
