Box Score
DENVER, Colo. – Five different Hilltoppers found the back of the net on Friday afternoon in Denver, Colo. as St. Edward's picked up their first victory of the season over Metro State, 5-2.
The game started fast for the Roadrunners as they had multiple chances to take the early lead, but the play by JOHN KASCHAK between the pipes kept the score even.
Danny Riley got the Hilltoppers on the board first with his second goal of the season. St. Edward's took advantage of a cornerkick in which COLETON STYMIEST got the initial touch with a header, but it was blocked and Riley was in position for the rebound and headed in the goal for the 1-0 lead.
HAIDEN STILES earned his first collegiate goal during the 43rd minute. Stiles connected on a free kick from 30-yards out and beat the keeper. The Hilltoppers went into halftime, winning 2-0.
ANDREW FOX got in on the scoring act as well, scoring his second goal of the season. JOSH TAYLOR was dribbling the ball and tried to flick it past the defender, but the defender was called with a handball in the box and St. Edward's was awarded a penalty kick. Fox took the honors and drove in the third score of the game. His goal would prove to be the game-winner.
KYLE RUCK increased the lead, 4-1, with a goal of his own from eight yards out. JACK BLANTON was awarded a free kick and his rebound was corralled by Ruck for the score.
St. Edward's got its final goal from RYAN DENDINGER. He scored from 15-yards out with Stiles providing the assist. Metro State scored another goal, but it wasn't enough with the Hilltoppers running away with the victory, 5-2.
Head Coach Brian Young commented after the game, "After a long day of travel and arriving the same day as the game today due to the weather, it took us a little bit of time to get our legs under us. It was good to have five different goal scorers, which reflects the depth of our travel squad. We still have a lot of improvements to make and we are looking forward to playing a very strong team in Regis on Sunday."
The Hilltoppers will be back in action on Sunday as they travel to Denver, Colo. to take on their fourth consecutive Colorado opponent, Regis. Kick-off is set for 11:30 a.m at a local high school field or 3:30 p.m. at Regis pending weather issues on Saturday and early Sunday. Live stats will be available through the Ranger Athletic website.
