AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's erased a halftime deficit less than three minutes into the second half, but Seattle Pacific responded six minutes later and went on to defeat the Hilltoppers 3-1 Friday night at Lewis-Chen Family Field.
The Hilltoppers created chances early against the nationally ranked Falcons, putting three shots on goal in the first half. IZAIAH GARZA forced a save in the 22nd minute, and ALEX LOYA and RILEY BAROLDY each tested goalkeeper Willem Ficek later in the period. Seattle Pacific took the lead in the 25th minute on a goal by Harper Sabari and carried its 1-0 advantage into halftime despite St. Edward's 8-7 edge in shots.
St. Edward's came out of the break quickly. SHUNJI WATANABE had a shot blocked in the 48th minute, then scored his first goal of the season moments later off an assist from NEMANJA PAVICEVIC to pull the Hilltoppers even at 1-1.
The tie lasted just over six minutes. KALEO PEREZ-FRANCIS saved a shot by Owen Swartout in the 54th minute, but Lucas Witthauer scored on the ensuing play to restore Seattle Pacific's lead.
St. Edward's continued to push forward, with PAOLO VELA and Garza both sending shots wide shortly after the goal. The Hilltoppers' task became more difficult in the 63rd minute when Loya received a red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity, leaving St. Edward's to play the final 27 minutes with 10 men.
Even a player down, the Hilltoppers generated chances. Pavicevic forced a save in the 67th minute, while EBUKA BRIGHT-OSIGWE, TIMMY HOLLENBECK and JUAN SEGURA each had attempts as St. Edward's searched for another equalizer. Witthauer scored his second goal in the 82nd minute to give the Falcons a two-goal cushion.
Both teams finished with 20 shots. St. Edward's held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks, while Perez-Francis made six saves. The Hilltoppers fell to 1-3-2 and will open Lone Star Conference play against Midwestern State.
