SALT LAKE CITY – A motivated Colorado Mesa team went toe-to-toe with No. 18 Midwestern State for nearly 90 minutes, but All-American forward Mere Escobar slotted home the game's only goal from the penalty spot with just under three minutes left to hand CMU a 1-0 loss at Dumke Field in Salt Lake City.

Goalkeeper Diego Chavez made six saves to keep the score tied in a strong effort for Colorado Mesa, which falls to 1-1 with the loss. Joey Joiner led the Mavs offensively with three shot attempts and one of CMU's two shots on goal.

Colorado Mesa began the game with the stronger offensive chances, with David Peters forcing a save from Mustangs goalkeeper Adam Braman in the 21^st minute and Joiner putting an attempt on target in the 33^rd minute. The Maverick defense did a good job clogging up attacking lanes, blocking three Mustang shots in the first half.

Midwestern State, which has won a game in the NCAA Tournament in each of the past four seasons, outshot CMU 11-4 in the second half and 18-9 overall. Chavez made four of his six stops in the second half as the Mavericks repelled every attack until an 88^th minute foul by Dylan Hobson gave the Mustangs a spot kick opportunity. Escobar stood over the ball and after his first stutter step was blown dead by players encroaching on the penalty box, he regrouped to send Chavez the wrong way and ripple the net in the top right corner for his first goal of the season after scoring 11 last season.

The Mavericks will return from Salt Lake to play their next two games at home, facing NCAA Tournament quarterfinalists Northwest Nazarene in CMU's home opener on Thursday and Eastern New Mexico on Saturday. Community Hospital Unity Field will play host to four games over the weekend, with Westminster traveling to Grand Junction to face NNU and ENMU as well.