SEATTLE – For the first time since Sept. 22, the Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team opens a lengthy home stand this weekend against Northwest Nazarene on Thursday and MSU Billings on Saturday as both matches kick off at 4:30 p.m. 
 
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"We are excited to be back at home in front of our fans in our stadium," head coach Kevin Sakuda said. "The guys understand the importance of these next few games. It's about continuing to focus on the things we can control, being brave in our play, and ultimately executing on the opportunities we create."
 
WHAT'S THE STORY THIS WEEK
It's the midway point of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference men's soccer season, and for SPU, it's time to make a run. 
 
The team is coming off a match against Saint Martin's that they controlled but didn't grab the result they wanted. The Falcons dominated the Saints, outshooting them 18-7, but one didn't fall as the two teams settled for a 0-0 draw. Lars Helleren was outstanding for SPU last Thursday. He played 90 minutes and made three saves, recording his fifth shutout of the season. 
 
The Falcons return to Interbay Stadium for what will be the first of five home matches. SPU hasn't played at home since Sept. 22. against Western Oregon. They picked up a 2-0 shutout victory that featured goals from Alex Brown and Donovahn Allen. In their last three home matches, the Falcons have scored 10 goals while allowing just four. 
 
Paired with their most recent success at Interbay, this extended homestand is coming at a great time for SPU. Entering the week, they sit in fourth place in the GNAC standings with eight points, just four behind Western Washington and Northwest Nazarene.  
 
The Falcons welcome the Nighthawks on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. NNU is the final fresh opponent SPU will face in the regular season. A slate of conference rematches rounds out the rest of the season, starting with MSU Billings on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.  
 
SCOUTING THE NORTHWEST NAZARENE NIGHTHAWKS (8-2-1, 4-1 GNAC)
The Nighthawks returned 24 student-athletes, including all 11 starters from the 2021 season. They finished fourth a year ago and were picked to finish there again in the GNAC Preseason Coaches Poll. They've exceeded those expectations through the first half of the conference schedule, as experience has led them to 12 points and a tie atop the conference standings. 
 
The Nighthawks have played plenty of close matches this season. They're averaging 1.73 goals per game while allowing 1.18 gpg to their opponents. They're outshooting opponents 140-99, with 57.9 percent of their shots being on goal. 
 
Jake Levine has been excellent for NNU. He leads the team with five goals, tied for third-most in the conference. Levine also has three assists and 13 points to his name, second most in the conference. Sullivan Smith has scored four times this season, while Lukas Juodkunaitis has three goals and three assists. Goalkeeper Sawyer Price has allowed 1.11 goals per game, the third-fewest in the conference. 
 
SCOUTING THE MSU BILLINGS YELLOWJACKETS (2-6-2, 0-3-2 GNAC)
The Falcons met the Yellowjackets in Billings on Sept. 24, when the two teams played to a 1-1 draw. SPU trailed late after a goal from MSUB in the 73rd minute. Cameron Yriondo sent a ball in front of the goal, where Tyler Speer clipped it into the net for his first goal of the season. The timely goal helped the Falcons escape even with the Yellowjackets. 
 
MSUB has just two points to their name in the GNAC standings, ahead of only WOU. They will take on Saint Martin's at 3 p.m. on Thursday before facing the Falcons on Saturday. Ryan Hanley has been their offensive presence, leading the team with three goals, while Callum Bryan follows closely behind with two goals. Keeper Jeremi Campagnolo has started all 10 matches in goal for the Yellowjackets, making 38 saves while allowing 2.03 goals per game.