DENVER, CO – The Seattle Pacific men's soccer team took their first road trip of the year to take on Regis on Thursday night. The Falcons owned the shot differential, and Demian Alvarez scored his second goal of the season, but a pair of goals from the Rangers downed the Falcons 2-1.

The Falcons had a decided advantage throughout the majority of the first half. They owned a 10-4 shot advantage after the first 45 minutes. Alden Massey led the squad with three shots, one of which was one goal.  

After a foul on the Falcons, the Rangers sent the ball deep down the field to Elias Taubo. The pass put Taubo in a one-on-one position against Lars Helleren. He beat the Falcon keeper to give the Rangers an early 1-0 lead.

Later, Regis turned another ball down the field into a goal. Sam Gardner sent on long, leaving Rayhan Carlson-Du Toit with a chance to score. He converted, giving his squad a 2-0 lead that the Rangers would hold into halftime.  

"It's frustrating because we let a couple get past us in their counter, and we have to be better in those moments," head coach Kevin Sakuda said. "We were able to create opportunities for ourselves, but they took advantage in spots we allowed."

The Falcons maintained tempo in the second half. Judah Johnston ripped a shot in the 56th minute that was saved. A minute later, Connor Tollan was sent on to the lower left corner that was saved.

In the 78th minute, Alvarez was brought down in the box, leading to a penalty kick. Alvarez lined up and drilled his shot, bringing the Falcons to within one. The goal was the second of the season for Alvarez.

Regis created more chances in the second half, but the Falcons still owned the 9-8 advantage. The Falcons went 19-12 in shots, with six coming on goal. Tollan finished the night with four shots, most for the Falcons.

Helleren played 90 minutes in goal for the Falcons. He made two saves after facing 12 shots, with just four coming on goal.

"We're always evaluating players and performances during matches," Sakuda said. "The results haven't gone our way early in the season, but we aren't far off. We need to regroup and get ready to face a talented Mines team and work toward those results."

The Falcons are in Golden, Co on Saturday for a match against Colorado School of Mines at 5 p.m. PST.