MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Seattle Pacific University women's soccer team played a rare morning match against Western Oregon on Saturday that saw the Falcons struggle to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities, falling to the Wolves 2-1.

"Tough one today," head coach Arby Busey said. "We matched up with a very motivated team. Everyone has a lot on the line this time of year, as conference points are so valuable and becoming scarce as we get toward the end of the regular season. All the credit in the world to our opponents today, for playing as hard and as well as they did on such a short turnaround. Restarts played a big part today, and we had a bunch of opportunities late to tuck in a corner kick, and just couldn't push it across the line. We'll need to get ourselves rested up and get ready for another game on Monday."

The two teams dueled through a scoreless first half. Things changed quickly in the second half when the Wolves got on the board in the 51st minute. Lilly Nowatzke scored to put her team up 1-0. A little more than a minute passed before the Wolves added to their lead. This time it was Chloe Smith who scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 52nd minute. 

SPU was able to cut into the WOU lead in the 65th minute. Marissa Bankey ripped one past the keeper to move the score to 2-1. The goal was the third of the season for Bankey. 

The Falcons were unable to find the goal they needed to tie the match. SPU owned a slight 11-9 advantage in shots, as the two teams matched each other with five shots on goal. Emmy Moore led the Falcons with three shots, while Lauren Snedeker followed close behind with two shots.  

Mercedes Cullen made the start in goal for the Falcons. She played 83:17 minutes and made three saves. Kaitlynn Knocke spent time in goal for the Falcons as well. She played 6:43.

On tap for the Falcons is a rescheduled match against Saint Martin's. The two teams play in Lacey, Wash. on Monday at 2 p.m.