Salt Lake City, UT — The Westminster Griffins started their conference campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over South Dakota Mines in front of their passionate home crowd at Dumke Field. The match, which featured a goal-filled second half, showcased the Griffins' offensive prowess and solid defense.

Second-Half Goal Surge

After a tightly contested and goalless first half, the Griffins emerged from the locker room with renewed energy and determination. The second half belonged to Westminster, as they unleashed a barrage of attacks on their opponent's goal. Their relentless efforts eventually paid off.

At the 69th minute, Jace Vance's brilliant play earned a penalty kick opportunity for the Griffins. With composure and precision, Vance converted the penalty, sending the ball into the back of the net and putting Westminster in the lead.

Just ten minutes later, the Griffins struck again. Brennan Neeley delivered a precise pass to Jack Cardwell, who confidently netted his third goal of the season, further solidifying Westminster's advantage.

Defensive Resilience

While the Griffins dominated offensively, their defense also deserved accolades. South Dakota Mines struggled to break through Westminster's defensive lines, managing only a handful of shots compared to the Griffins' impressive 28 attempts. Goalkeeper Roark Looney was instrumental in keeping the opposition at bay, making crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Looking Forward

The victory in their conference opener sets a promising tone for the Griffins as they navigate a challenging schedule. Their potent attack, coupled with a solid defense and the goalkeeping heroics of Looney, gives them a strong platform to build upon in the conference.

Westminster fans have reason to be excited as their team continues its journey through the conference season. The Griffins will aim to maintain their winning momentum in their upcoming matches. The next challenge awaits as Regis University comes to Dumke Field on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 1:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on the RMAC Network or secure their tickets in advance on the HomeTown App. The Griffins will be eager to please their supporters and continue their march to success in the conference.