GOLDEN, Colo. – The Colorado School of Mines scored twice in the first half on Thursday afternoon to defeat SFU 2-0 in the season-opening game for both teams on Thursday afternoon at Stermole Stadium.

Playing its first game against an NCAA opponent in nearly two years—since Nov. 9, 2019, to be exact—SFU conceded a goal five minutes into the contest and then again six minutes from the end of the first half and that was all the Orediggers needed for a 2-0 non-conference victory.

SFU played most of the second half with just 10 players after Katie Richardson received a red card 10 minutes into the second period. SFU, which had one win in three pre-season exhibition games against BC universities, was challenged to develop a sustained attack during the contest mustering three shots in the game. Colorado took 13 shots and put nearly half of those on goal.

SFU goalkeeper Kelsey Fisher, making just her second collegiate start, managed four saves on six shots.

The North Vancouver product conceded a goal in the fifth minute when Reese McDermott scored off a long throw-in. McDermott took advantage of the scrum in the penalty area and deflected the ball to the left post away from the Fisher. It proved to be the game-winner.

Mines grabbed its second goal 34 minutes later. The Orediggers earned a corner kick which bounced to the top of the 18-yard box. Meg Zimmerman struck a one-touch rocket through a pack of defenders and attackers for the goal.

Giuliana Zaurrini, who led SFU with five goals as a freshman in 2019, directed two shots towards the Colorado net with one on target. Colorado goalkeeper Sierra Roth played all 90 minutes and needed to make that one save on Zaurrini to earn the shutout and the victory.
 

WHAT'S NEXT?
The road trip continues for the SFU women with a game Saturday against Metropolitan State University of Denver beginning at 10AM PT. SFU plays at home Sept. 11 at 7PM in the new SFU Stadium at Terry Fox Field.

The 2021 GNAC women's soccer season begins play on Sept. 23.

Fans can follow women's soccer on Twitter and Instagram at @sfuwsoc. Fans can also keep up with all of SFU Athletics on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @SFU_Athletics.