GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Eastern New Mexico men's soccer earned a well deserved 2-0 victory over #17 Colorado Mesa Thursday night as the Hounds defeated a nationally ranked opponent for the third time in program history.

Despite being out-shot 15-9, the Greyhounds were by far the more efficient team, using great ball movement and unselfish play to make the most of their opportunities. Lucas Vaz, the junior midfielder, led the offensive charge as he assisted on the first goal and netted the second.

In the 11^th minute, Vaz found senior forward Julian Trapp who sent a rocket towards goal. The ball was initially blocked by the Maverick's defense but trickled past the CMU keeper and leaked into the net. At the 63:26 mark, Vaz sent a beautiful rainbow shot from 30-yards out and chipped it over the outstretched arms of the Mavericks goalie, pushing the Hound's advantage to 2-0.

Junior Goalkeeper Ross Dalton proved to be in mid-season form as he made two highlight reel saves and finished with six total. In the 41^st minute Mavericks forward Lawan Abury had a break away opportunity and lasered the ball on goal before Dalton punched it away to keep the home team scoreless. With 12 minutes remaining in the game, CMU corralled a rebound and sent a header towards the net. Dalton rose into the air to get a fingertip on the ball, barely pushing it over the crossbar.

The Hounds suffocating defense caused Colorado Mesa problems the entire match and prevented the Maverick from generating any type of offensive push, as ENMU controlled the pace of play. The result marks the first Greyhound victory over a ranked opponent since 2012.

Eastern will be gearing up for its home opener on Sunday as they host #3 Fort Hays State at 1 p.m. inside Greyhound Stadium.