SEATTLE – A defensive battle broke out between the Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team and Northwest Nazarene at Interbay Stadium on Thursday night, as limited chances led to a 0-0 draw from the Falcons and Nighthawks.
"Overall, we're pleased with how the guys played," head coach Kevin Sakuda said. "We controlled the game and got the ball into areas where we thought we could be dangerous. It's kind of been the story of the season that we need to do better with those opportunities in the final third. Can't fault the guys, they've worked so hard, defended well, and controlled this game but just missed a little bit in the final third."
Both the Falcons and Nighthawks had to grind for every chance at a goal. SPU limited NNU to just one shot on goal but were only able to get three shots on frame. The Falcons also gained a 17-9 advantage in corner kicks, an area where they've been dangerous throughout the season. None found the back of the net, as both sides left with a tie.
Alden Massey and Andrew Tran sent seven of the Falcons' 13 shots. Massey's greatest chance came in the closing minutes of the match. The Falcons gained an advantage in the 84th minute when a pass made its way to Massey on the left side. Massey riffled a shot that missed just right which would have given SPU a late lead. Massey had another chance in the 89th minute, but it missed high, and the match ended in a draw.
Lars Helleren led a defense that was excellent for the Falcons. He played 90 minutes in goal and made one save. Evan Aune, Ed Weise, Demian Alvarez, and Cade Cooke were stout in stopping the Nighthawks.
"Any time we can get a clean sheet, we'll be pleased," Sakuda said. "I've said all along to our guys, it's tough because our record is where it's at but that doesn't define who we are. Our performances have been better than that. What we do with our record currently is going to define us. For us, it's getting our bodies right and doing well against Billings this weekend."
The Falcons are back at Interbay on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. as they host MSU Billings.
