GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Rafael Junqueira scored his first goal of the season, but it wasn't enough as the Northwest Nazarene men's soccer team lost 2-1 on Saturday at Colorado Mesa.

The Nighthawks led 1-0 on Junqueira's goal in the 20th minute off an assist by Jake Levine. NNU maintained the lead into halftime, but allowed two second-half goals.

"This is a hard loss to swallow," NNU coach Joel DeLass said. "We played another undefeated opponent and had our opportunities to get a result."

Both teams had four shots on goal, though Colorado had 17 overall shots to eight for NNU.

"The guys gave everything they had," DeLass said, "but against experienced opponents like we've been facing we have to take our chances and eliminate the few we've been giving up.

"We've got a young group and it'll be another experience we learn from as we get ready for another difficult road trip next weekend."

NNU heads to California to face Biola on Thursday and Point Loma on Saturday.