PHOENIX, Ariz.:  The Rangers took a tough 1-0 loss to Incarnate Word on Thursday, ending their 2012 season in their first ever NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance. 

Word stole the ball in the 74^th minute to earn a one-on-one opportunity with Ranger goalkeeper Christian Nicolosi, sending the goal to the right of Nicolosi's outstretched hands.

With less than five minutes to go in the match, the Rangers saw two close attempts at the goal. 

Senior Mark Kelly received the ball at the six yard box, took a touch to redirect the ball away from Word's defender and ripped it towards the goal.  Word's goalie put up the save to keep the Rangers scoreless, however.

Senior Taylor Diem also saw an opportunity at the goal, heading the ball in and missing a goal by less than inches as it hit the left post.

Freshman goalie Christian Nicolosi had two big saves during his time in between the posts.

Regis finishes 17-2-1 overall after an impressive season, earning four All-RMAC First Team honors and two Second Team.  Their 17 wins were the most ever for Regis men's soccer in a single season, while the Rangers also topped the Regis record books in points, points per game, goals, goals per game and game-winning goals among others.

Diem was named RMAC Defensive Player of the Year while head coach Tony McCall was named RMACs Coach of the Year after leading the Rangers to a 14-0-0 RMAC regular season finish. 

This undefeated conference season was only the second all-time in the RMAC and it was the first time in Regis University history any team had been nationally ranked #1.  The Rangers also took home the regular season RMAC championship after owning the only undefeated season in Regis soccer history.

The Rangers stayed in the top spot for three weeks and stayed on the national polls for 10 weeks after their first ranking on September 11^th, 2012 (19^th).  Regis will graduate nine in 2012 and return 16 in 2013.