Derek Pelate

JOPLIN, Mo. -- Things started out well for the Miners in their season opener Friday night, but they didn't finish well as St. Mary's posted three second half goals to come away with a 3-1 victory over the Miners.

UMR broke a scoreless tie near the end of the first half when Derek Pelate scored an unassisted goal with 2:03 to play in the period. But after the intermission, the Rattlers took charge of the contest, outshooting UMR 9-3 and scoring three times. The game-tying goal came at the 56:37 mark off the foot of Raul Davira, then the Rattlers took the lead nearly eight minutes later when Scott Kilpatrick scored. St. Mary's scored an insurance goal at the 73:44 mark when Kris Sumpter knocked in Jonathan Gray's corner kick. UMR was outshot 16-8 in Friday's contest, with goalkeeper Mike McNamee being credited with four saves.

The Miners will face Christian Brothers Saturday evening in their final game before next Friday's home opener against Missouri Southern.