SALEM, Ore. – A first half goal from junior Christopher Chavez gave University of Great Falls men's soccer a 1-0 lead at halftime against #20 Corban University, but a second half surge from the Warriors made the final score 2-1 in favor of Corban. The game was the first Cascade Collegiate Conference game of the season for both teams and was also a rematch of the 2016 CCC Semifinals.

The contest was not only a rematch, but also a battle of two of the projected two three teams in the conference according to the 2016 CCC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Corban was voted to finish second in the conference, while UGF was picking to finish third.

The first half was a fairly even affair, with UGF getting 4 shots on goal and Corban totaling 3. At the 23:47 mark, UGF Head Coach Joseph Yeisley subbed in forward Christopher Chavez and the junior made his impact felt almost immediately. Almost exactly one minute after stepping onto the pitch, Chavez received a cross from senior outside back Anthony Mota, settled the ball with his chest, and finished into the far corner.

Chavez got two more looks at the net in the first half but missed wide on the first and high on the second as the half finished with UGF leading 1-0.

Through the first 45 minutes the Argo defense, still without 2015 starter Rasmus Madsen, faired admirably well against a vaunted Warrior offense, particularly stud forward Timur Zhividze. Zhividze entered the game ranking 6th in the NAIA in Total Goals (7) but couldn't get on the board in the first half.

In the second half, the Warrior's attack got a bit more diverse and a lot more effective. Corban put 8 shots on goal in the second period and found its way past UGF goalkeeper Marc Girones twice. The first game off of a free kick in the 57th minute. Five minute later, Zhividze assisted on another Warrior goal to take the lead away from the Argos.

UGF managed 6 shots and two shots on goal in the second half. The second of the two came just at the buzzer from senior captain Lewis Derrett but was saved by the Corban keep to avoid an equalizer.

While two shots found their way past Girones, many more could have scored if not for his efforts. The sophomore finished the game with 9 saves, his highest total of the season.

UGF's outside backs had a tough task handling the Corban offense, which still including reigning CCC Conference Player of the Year Quamie Dinnall, but still managed to be key contributors offensively. Right back Anthony Mota made a deep run down the right end line to put in the cross that led to Chavez's goal, and left back Edgar Ortiz finished the game with two of UGF's 6 shots on goal.

The loss brings UGF to 1-3 on the season which all three losses coming to ranked teams. The Argo's next opponent won't be ranked, as they travel to Springfield, Ore., to take on Northwest Christian University on September 17 at 3 p.m. MT.