GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – It was a disappointing start to the season for the St. Edward's men's soccer team, as it fell to Colorado Mesa, 2-0 in the first match of its 2014 campaign Friday night at Walker Field.
 
St. Edward's (0-1) had the first scoring opportunity in the third minute, when midfielder Andrew Fox sent a shot on goal, but the Colorado Mesa goalkeeper was there for the save. Few chances came for either side as the first half came to a close, 0-0.
 
St. Edward's surrendered its first goal early in the second half, when Colorado Mesa's Roy Abergil positioned a free kick into the back of the net in the 51^st minute. Hilltopper midfielder, Josh Taylor, nearly answered with a goal of his own in the 53^rd minute, only for it to sail slightly right of the post.
 
Colorado Mesa (1-0) found the net again in the 75^th minute, putting distance between themselves and the Hilltoppers. St. Edward's put two more shots on frame down the stretch, but came up empty, as the Mavericks hung on for the 2-0 victory.
 
"It's a tough start to the season, the guys are gutted, but there were some major bright spots and many lessons learned from this match that will make us better in the future," head coach Brian Young said. "My players are a great group and we will get things sorted out tonight and tomorrow as we prepare for Fort Lewis."
 
Fox led St. Edward's with two shots on goal, but St. Edward's was outshot as a team, 10-9. Fox and Cavarrubias tallied the two late attempts on goal, only to be denied. The Hilltoppers played the contest without two-time reigning Heartland Conference Player of the Year, Daniel Riley.
 
St. Edward's will continue its road trip as it travels to Durango, Colo. to take on Fort Lewis College, Sunday at 2 p.m. MST. Live video and stats will be available on the Skyhawk Athletic Website.