SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Northwest Nazarene men's soccer saw its magical run come to an end on Saturday night, falling to Colorado State Pueblo 1-0 in the Elite Eight.
 
The Nighthawks finish the 2022 campaign with a 15-4-3 record. During the year, NNU had many incredible moments and achievements, starting with the program's first-ever GNAC Championship after a pair of thrilling wins in the final week of the regular season over Western Washington and Seattle Pacific.
 
From there, NNU kept making more history, advancing through their opening round game in penalties over West Texas A&M before reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time with a 2-1 upset of top-seeded and defending national champion Cal State LA in the second round.
 
The Nighthawks were not done with unbelievable moments in the Sweet 16, as they staged an incredible comeback with two goals in the final three minutes to take down nationally-ranked No. 3 Cal State Dominguez Hills 3-2 to reach the Elite Eight.
 
In tonight's game, NNU was able to withstand pressure from CSU Pueblo all game long, utilizing strong defense and a few great saves from keeper Sawyer Price to keep the Thunderwolves off the board. Price would finish with five saves in the match.
 
The Nighthawks had perhaps their best chance to take the lead late in the game in the 86^th minute, earning a corner kick from the left side. Lukas Juodkunaitis swung in a good ball, but a CSU Pueblo defender was able to get their head to it first and clear it away.
 
Moments later, NNU would be called for a penalty in the box, giving the Thunderwolves an opportunity in the 87^th. Gabriel Campora stepped up and converted the PK for Pueblo to give them the lead.
 
The Nighthawks would manage one more shot from Zakaria Daaou in the final minute, but could not find an equalizer.
 
This 2022 NNU men's soccer squad is just the second in program history to reach an NCAA Division II Elite Eight round, joining the 2021 baseball team.
 
The Nighthawks also set a new program record for wins in a season with 15, eclipsing the mark of 14 set by the 2014 team, the only other group in program history to reach the NCAA postseason.
 
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