BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Seattle Pacific University women's soccer team went to Bellingham on Saturday for a match against Western Washington, where the Falcons and Vikings battled before the home team snuck one past SPU to take the match 1-0.

"Fun game tonight, two good teams playing in a great environment," head coach Arby Busey said. "Unfortunate to come away on the wrong side of the result. Loved how our team played and competed on the road. The result stings, but we got better tonight. Playing in that environment will be beneficial to us as we move forward." 

In the 78th minute, the Vikings created a chance from a rebound. Dayna Diaz collected the ball after Mercedes Cullen saved a shot from Morgan Manalili. The ball from Diaz found the back of the net, creating the separation the Vikings needed to defend their home turf.

The Falcons and Vikings went at it throughout the contest. WWU owned a 9-5 shot advantage, but SPU had their chances to go up early. In the 8th minute, Lauren Snedeker sent a low shot that was scooped up in the middle of the net by the Viking keeper.

Later in the 13th minute, Lauren Forster took a shot that missed just outside the top right corner. Almost 10 minutes later, Emmy Moore sent a shot in that was a bit too high. Moore's shot was the last of the half for the Falcons.

The Falcon defense was forced to defend in the final minutes of the first half. The Vikings took four shots in the final eight minutes of the first half. Cullen made two saves during that stretch, keeping the match tied at 0-0 going into halftime.

The Falcons sent nine more shots in during the second half. Sophie Beadle opened the half with a shot in the 49th minute that was collected by the Viking keeper. The Falcons put another one on goal in the 76th minute, when Snedeker ripped one on the ground the way again scooped up by the keeper. SPU took four shots in the final 10 minutes of the match, but they couldn't get any to fall.

The Falcons host Central Washington on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Interbay Stadium.