SALT LAKE CITY—The Westminster men's soccer team suffered its first conference lost, losing in overtime to Colorado Mesa, 1-2.
The Griffins had eight shots, with three on goal, and two corner kicks. The Mavericks out shot the Griffins by 10 and put seven shots on goal and had four corner kicks. Goalkeeper Noah Larkin made six saves—three in the first, two in the second and one in the first overtime period.
 
Colorado Mesa won the game from a free kick on the left corner of the penalty box. A handball set the Mavericks up and Ramses Atahualpa drove the ball past the wall into the far-right corner for the game-winner.
 
The Griffins best chance came in the final minute of the first half from a free kick 35 yards out. Jace Vance played the ball to the right far post where Zach Nielsen connected with a diving header from six yards away. The shot struck the crossbar back into play and was cleared by Mesa.
 
Marshall Johnson came close to beating the keeper with a header in the73rd minute. A long throw from the left corner reached the top of the goal box at the near post. Johnson rose above his defender ended headed downward to the left corner. Mesa's goalkeeper was quick to get down to smother the attempt.
 
Larkin's first two saves were routine catches and did not trouble him. The third save was an impressive fingertip deflection over the top right corner. A shot from 25 yards center of the field looked destined for the top-right corner until Larking, fully stretched, pushed the ball over the goal for a corner.
 
Nearly five minutes into overtime Larkin came up big again. Mesa took advantage of a turnover in midfield and was instantly into the box with a chance near the penalty spot. Larkin quickly came off his line and dove at the feat of the shooter and blocked the shot.
 
The Griffins are set for the RMAC Championship and will wait to see who they draw for the first-round.