ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth scored the game-winner in the 87th minute to send Houghton men's soccer to a 2-1 loss on the road Saturday.

Nazareth got off to a strong offensive start, taking eight shots and earning three corners in the first 15 minutes of the contest. But Houghton keeper Joshua Smith made four saves in that span and the Highlanders defense kept the Golden Flyers from converting.

After a scoreless first half in which the Golden Flyers outshot the Highlanders 14-3, Elijah Bailey converted a PK in the 63rd minute to put the Highlanders up 1-0. Houghton continued to press toward the Naz goal, putting six more shots on net over the next 10 minutes. However Nazareth earned the equalizer in the 76th minute and got the game-winner on the next shot either team would take just 10 minutes later.

Smith finished with a season-high nine saves. Nazareth outshot the Highlanders, 23-13, for the game, but Houghton had a 10-9 edge in the second half.

Houghton is winless (0-5-1) vs. Nazareth over the last six meetings dating back to 2021.

The Highlanders return to play when they travel to Keuka for another E8 contest on Wednesday, October 8 at 4 p.m.