UT Permian Basin Men's Soccer started the season with a challenge, going toe-to-toe with No. 21 Colorado Mesa in their season opener.  The Falcons outshot the defending Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference champions while Alfonso Aragon made six terrific saves in net.
 
The offense had their chances early.  Gustavo Barroso had a clear shot on net that was deflected just wide just minutes into the second half.  Later in the half, Tresor Kobea took a long ball by the goalkeeper, but his left footed shot rolled just wide right of the net.
 
The Falcons played step for step, if not better, with the No. 21 team in the nation until the 80^th minute of play.  The Mavericks capitalized on a corner kick that Aragon just couldn't get his hands on as they took the 1-0 lead.
 
The Falcons kept the pressure on the offensive side of the ball in the last ten minutes but couldn't find the back of the net as the Mavericks added to their lead for the 3-0 final.
 
Barroso led the Falcon scoring chances with five shots with four of them being on goal.  Kobea had four shots as one of them was on goal.  Aragon saved six shots on the night.
 
As a team, the Falcons outshot the Mavericks 11-10.  The Falcons also kept their poise in scoring chances by not committing any offsides.
 
The Falcons play the middle leg of their three-game Colorado trip to open the season against Fort Lewis on Saturday.  Download the UTPB Athletics App to follow the Falcons all season long.