SEATTLE — Playing more than an hour with 10 men, St. Edward's men's soccer battled back to level the match but couldn't hold on late, falling 2–1 to Seattle Pacific on Friday night at Interbay Stadium.

The Hilltoppers (2–3–2) were put on the back foot in the 31st minute when starting goalkeeper ANGEL RAMIREZ was shown a straight red card for a foul just outside the box. The Falcons (4–1–2) capitalized moments later, with Lukas Shriner tapping in a two-yard finish off an Isaac Ketcham free kick for a 1–0 lead.

Despite the setback, St. Edward's regrouped and grew into the match after halftime. CHRISTIAN MEZAS brought the Hilltoppers level in the 60th minute with a moment of brilliance, blasting a 25-yard volley off the crossbar and in for his second goal of the season.

From there, the undermanned Hilltoppers continued to press forward, matching Seattle Pacific shot for shot (15–15) and earning several quality chances. But the Falcons found the winner in the 80th minute when Kasey Toevs flicked home an eight-yard header off a long free kick from Owen Swartout.

Seattle Pacific finished with a slight edge in possession (56% to 44%) and shots on target (7–4), while both teams earned three corner kicks apiece. Kaleo Francis made three saves in relief for St. Edward's, while Falcons keeper Brian Lanier stopped three shots to earn the win.

St. Edward's returns to the road next week, looking to rebound as Lone Star Conference play looms at Midwestern State on Wednesday, then at home against Lubbock Christian on Saturday.