HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- The Highlanders faced a good test against Division I competition on Wednesday in men's soccer action, losing 2-0 to the University at Buffalo at Burke Field.

The Bulls used their size and strength throughout the contest to create numerous scoring chances. The visitors scored their first goal in the 13th minute when Russell Cicerone dribbled through the Highlander defense and ripped a low 15 yard shot past Houghton keeper Jacob Dunnett (Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Kennebecasis).

But it was Dunnett who kept the Highlanders within a goal for the next 72 minutes, making numerous strong challenges to turn aside the Bulls attack and several spectacular saves to keep the ball out of the net.

Freshman substitute Jordan Mullen (Fillmore, NY, Fillmore ) almost tied the score in the 77th minute when he curled in a corner kick that hit the crossbar.

However, Buffalo got the two-goal cushion in the 85th minute when Nicolay Netskar looped a shot from the right corner of the box that caromed off the left post and into the net.

Dunnett wasn't done with his strong play, turning aside one more dangerous attack, tipping a point blank shot over the bar in the last minute of play.

The Bulls outshot the Highlanders, 19-3, and had a 3-2 edge in corners.

Dunnett finished with 11 saves on the night.

Houghton (5-5) next plays on Homecoming Saturday at 3:30 p.m. vs. Nazareth.