CANYON, Texas – No. 2 Midwestern State knew restarts could play a key role in Friday afternoon's contest against No. 16 Colorado Mines.

The prophecy became reality as the Orediggers converted corner kick in the 41st minute then held on for a 2-1 win over MSU at the West Texas A&M Buffs' Classic.

"It's unfortunate that we lost, but we had the better of play," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "We knew we'd have trouble on restarts."

Colorado Mines took advantage of its size advantage on the back line and Grant Manthey put away a ball in the box on corner kick opportunity to give the Orediggers a one-goal lead going into intermission.

The Mustangs were unable to find the equalizer before goalkeeper Shawn Carr received an ejection in the 79th minute forcing MSU to play a man down for the closing 21 minutes.

CSM's Chike Sullivan would make it 2-0 for Colorado Mines when he placed a shot in the upper corner from just inside the center circle.

"Credit the other team. They played well and stayed organized," Elder said. "They came in with a good scouting report, played defensively and limited our chances."

But the Mustangs were even stingy as they outshoot the Orediggers by an eight-to-four margin.

MSU's Craig Sutherland pulled the Mustangs within striking distance with his third goal of the season in the final minute, but the deficit was too much to overcome.

"It's disappointing because we played well enough to win, but couldn't get it done," Elder said. "We'll have our hands full on Sunday."

The Mustangs, who fell to 2-1, battle No. 10 Fort Lewis (Colo.) Sunday morning at 11 a.m. to close the Buffs' Classic.

Fort Lewis defeated West Texas A&M 3-0 in its season opener in Canyon.