BILLINGS, Mont.- Rocky Men's Soccer will look to follow up their dramatic 2-1 exhibition victory against MSU Billings with another win Saturday on Yellowjacket Field to sweep the Rimrock Rivalry season series. 

Last Time Out

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Versus #2 Dalton State
Despite the loss, the Battlin' Bears proved they are ready to compete with the best of the best during the 2024 season, falling to #2 Dalton State College in Georgia 2-1. 

Igor Soares, assisted by Espoir Mayele, scored the Battlin' Bears' first goal of the season. However, Dalton State controlled the second half, outshooting the Battlin' Bears 7-3 in the final 45 minutes to score twice and take the victory. 

Paul Randello led the game with three shot attempts. Randello, Nolan Finch, and Igor Soares all put shots in goal in the loss. Stefan Schenk tallied three saves. 

Versus RV Georgia Gwinnett
Rocky was able to overcome some offensive struggles in the loss to Georgia Gwinnett to keep the match even throughout. Kayne White tallied the Battlin' Bears' only shot attempt in the 75th minute, which the Grizzlies' goalie saved. 

Georgia Gwinnett put pressure on the Battlin' Bears' defense all evening, and they responded well, deterring many of the 14 shots by the Grizzlies off goal. Stefan Schenk tallied five saves in the loss, and Paul Randello tallied a defensive save after lunging in front of an open-net goal chance for Georgia Gwinnett. 

Game Notes

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Wrapping Up Preseason
After Rocky's thrilling 2-1 exhibition victory over MSU Billings earlier this season, their second matchup will be counted for both programs. Saturday's contest will be Rocky's final non-conference matchup before they take on Carroll College on September 20th to begin CCC play. 

Last Time vs the Yellowjackets
The Battlin' Bears prevailed in a thrilling 2-1 win on Herb Klindt Field in an exhibition match against MSU Billings earlier this season. MSU Billings was the first to strike, with a scoreless match going into the 60th minute. Rocky would have their answers, as Espoir Mayele bounced a header into the back of the net to tie the game in the 72nd minute. The match would head into a dramatic finale as Ryan Daniel broke free in the back end of the Yellowjacket defense, resulting in a foul inside of the penalty box within the final 30 seconds of the match. Freshman Henry Chalkley would take the penalty shot opportunity and score to give Rocky a Rimrock Rivalry victory to open their season. 

New Look Battlin' Bears
Ten of the 14 Battlin' Bears to see the field this season are new to the team in 2024. Rocky has shown positive signs throughout a challenging non-conference schedule despite its youth. 

All-Conference Returner
Rocky's leading scorer in the past two seasons, Igor Soares, was the one to kick off the scoring for the 2024 season. His goal against #2 Dalton State was the 27th of his career at Rocky Mountain College.