Box Score DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University men's soccer team dropped their first game of the season to Colorado Mines. A late penalty kick lifted the Orediggers to a 2-1 win over Regis.
Colorado Mines attacked the Rangers early and often in the first half. Taking five corner kicks in the first 10 minutes of the game, Regis was able to escape without any harm. Mines broke the tie in the 33rd minute of the first half when CSM forward John Haist connected on a ball that deflected off a Regis player and fell at his feet.
After the goal, the Ranger offense began pressuring the Mines defense, attacking and pushing them deep into their own zone. In the 71st minute redshirt-sophomore Brian Strasbaugh drew a foul in the penalty box as he looked to score. Senior Elliot Sutcliffe stepped up and buried the shot past the keeper tying the game 1-1.
Both teams fought hard to gain an advantage offensively but neither defense would give an inch. Senior Christian Nicolosi saved 15 shots setting a Regis record for most saves in a single game. Most importantly, Nicolosi made a full extension save on a header attempt by CSM sending the game into overtime. Nicolosi topped the previous school record by three saves held by former Rangers Ben Sabados (2008) and Wally Fink (2009) who each recorded 12 saves in a game.
As the Rangers came out aggressive in the first period of overtime, freshmen Quinton Carey received a pass as he streaked across the top of the penalty box. Carey sent his shot off the woodwork and out of play. The first period of overtime concluded with the score deadlocked at one.
In the 108th minute of overtime the referee awarded the Orediggers a penalty kick as they were attacking the RU defense. Sophomore Nikolaus Grotz put the shot just inches out of the reach of Nicolosi, giving Colorado Mines the 2-1 victory in double overtime.
After their win against Rollins College, Regis earned votes and recognition nationally. The Rangers will return home to face Fort Lewis on September 18 at 4:00 p.m. on the Regis Match Pitch.
