Box Score GOLDEN, Colo. – St. Edward's came back from a first-half two-goal deficit but fell short in a 3-2 loss Friday evening to the Colorado School of Mines. The match was the season-opener for the Hilltoppers.
 
Colorado Mines (1-0) started the game strong, registering the first shot on goal in the opening minutes of the game. The offensive attack continued for Mines as they took a 1-0 lead during the 13^th minute of play on a goal by Zach Page-Belknap.  The assist came from Alex Nass off of a corner kick.
 
The Orediggers' Tanner McManus would tack on the second goal of the match at the 35-minute mark.  Alex Nass would record his second assist.  The Orediggers outshot St. Edward's, 6-0 during the first half of play.
 
The Hilltoppers (0-1) attacked the start of second half play.  ANDERSON MCDANIEL would score the first goal for St. Edward's in the 50^th minute.  JAMES MARTIN would knot the score, 2-2, with seven minutes remaining in the match.  Both Hilltopper goals were unassisted.
 
Colorado Mines eventually took the outright lead with a goal by Tesho Akindele with just minutes remaining before the final horn sounded. The final goal would not come without controversy. Colorado Mines had a free kick, which JOHN KASCHAK made the initial save, but a hand ball sent the ball towards Akindele who tapped in the rebound. The goal was initially disallowed by the referee, but after discussion, the goal was allowed giving Colorado Mines the game-winner.
 
Colorado Mines would keep Kaschak busy with nine additional shots in the second period.  Kaschak would go on to see 15 total shots, making five saves for the night.
 
Hilltopper head coach, Brian Young said this after the game, “We were in an unfortunate situation being down 2-0 after the first half on the road, but the guys battled back and scored two great goals in the second half. The game-winner for Mines with less than four minutes remaining was a perplexing decision by the referee.  I was very happy with our overall team effort and we will look forward and prepare for our next match.”
 
The Hilltoppers will be in action on Sunday as they conclude their Colorado road trip with a game against Fort Lewis College. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. central time.