ALAMOSA, Colo. --- It has been evident since early on this season that the Hardrockers soccer team was different than teams of the past. This was even more evident on Sunday morning as they took on Adams State on the road.
The first half was relatively even with South Dakota Mines getting four shots with three on goal, while Adams State took five shots, but just one was on goal. The one on goal found the back of the net via a Ranulfo Lopez penalty kick in the 12th minute.
In the second 45 minutes of play, the tables turned as the Hardrockers dominated play, firing 10 shots to the Grizzlies' two. Another three shots on goal were recorded by South Dakota Mines. Set pieces were the story of the second half for the Hardrockers. In the 70th minute,
Garrett Cole took a corner kick and found the foot of
Ryan Gaughan who buried it in the net for his first career goal to tie the game at one. Over the next 20 minutes, the Hardrockers would continue to be the aggressor, but it wasn't until a foul called in the 88th minute led to a free kick.
Hayden Jaramillo lined up on the ball and hit a beautiful ball nearly 50 yards into the box, forcing Adams State goalkeeper Brandon Carr to come out and challenge, but he was too late as the ball found
Rider Grow for a header that found the twine, giving the Hardrockers a 2-1 lead that they would carry to the end of the game for the win. The assist from Jaramillo gives him 8 for his career, one shy of tying the all-time school record and the Hardrockers also moved one win away from the single-season record.
The Hardrockers move into RMAC play this upcoming week, heading to Salt Lake City for a matchup at Westminster on Friday at 4:30, followed by a 2:30 matchup Sunday afternoon at Colorado Mesa.
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.
