GLENDALE, Ariz. — In a back-and-forth affair, the Eastern Oregon University men’s soccer team allowed a late game-securing goal in a 2-1 loss at Arizona Christian University on Monday, September 4.

The Mountaineers fought back to level the match, but ultimately lost to fall to 0-2-2 on the 2023 season.

The Firestorm started off on a tear on offense, putting up 12 shots in the first half to just five for the Mountaineers. In the eighth minute, Cristhian Flores gave Arizona Christian an early advantage off a goal assisted by Kaden Grub.

Eastern Oregon went into halftime trailing 1-0.

In the second half, the Mountaineers flipped the switch and upped the offensive tempo. Eastern Oregon outshot Arizona Christian 10-5 and earned two corner kicks in the final frame.

After trailing for most of the match, Edgar Romero Perez broke through to level the game at 1-1 in the 79th minute. Yonas Mekonnen assisted on the equalizer.

Despite Eastern Oregon charging back to tie the match, Arizona Christian responded in the 85th minute with an unassisted goal by Marlon Arce. The Mountaineers were unable to make any late goals and fell 2-1.

Coming off the loss, the Mountaineers are scheduled to return to La Grande for a scrimmage against Blue Mountain Community College at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9. Eastern Oregon is slated to open conference play at Northwest University on Sept. 15.