NAMPA, Idaho - Northwest Nazarene men's soccer took the 16th-ranked team in the nation to the brink on Saturday, but Colorado Mesa found the back of the net in the 90th minute to escape with a 2-1 win.

NNU falls to 2-2 on the season, while the Mavericks improve to 4-0. 

Colorado Mesa got on the board first, tallying in the 25th minute on a cross from Joey Joiner to Chris Boyd, who headed it past the outstretched arm of NNU keeper Sawyer Price. 

CMU led 1-0 at the break, but it would not take long in the second half for the Nighthawks to find the equalizer. It came off the boot of Sebastian Cotrau, who took a through ball from Jimmy Koufidakis and took a few touches down the right side before firing a laser just between the CMU keeper and the near post. The goal is Cotrau's third of the season through just four games.

The match seemed to be destined for extra time, but the Mavericks lived up to their top-25 ranking with a stunning game-winner, as David Peters gathered in a loose ball outside the box and sent a looping shot into the top-left corner of the goal with just 28 seconds remaining on the clock. 

Colorado Mesa outshot NNU 14-8, but the on goal margin was in the Nighthawks' favor at 4-3. CMU held a distinct advantage in gaining corners, however, earning nine to NNU's two. 

Cotrau finished with the goal on four of NNU's eight shots, placing three on frame. Price played all 90 minutes in goal, making one save.

NNU will now hit the road again with a trip to the state of Texas next week, visiting Texas Permian Basin on Thursday and West Texas A&M on Saturday. Read Full Article