NAMPA, Idaho – The Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team showcased effort, intensity, and grit in their regular-season finale against the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's top team on Saturday afternoon in Northwest Nazarene. The Falcons tied it late, but the Nighthawks found the goal they needed to take the match 3-2.
"We started a little slow, but the guys were great and fought back," head coach Kevin Sakuda said. "The second half, we were creating chances and in control. We got the one to tie it, but credit to NNU. They have been great all year long. They have belief, they fight for each other and make it very difficult."
The Nighthawks struck first in the 13th minute of the match. Jake Levin led the team in goals throughout the season and added to his totals against the Falcons. Jonathon Cardona placed a pass where Levine could finish. He scored and gave his team the 1-0 lead.
The Falcons answered in the 34th minute. Luis Zazueta was working to possess the ball inside the six-yard box when he was taken to the ground by the Nighthawk keeper. That set up a penalty kick for Demian Alvarez, who netted it to tie the match at 1-1.
The Nighthawks added one in the 38th minute. Cardona assisted once again, but it was Alan Soto Ortiz who finished it this time. NNU carried a 2-1 lead into halftime.
The Falcons were relentless in their attack in the second half. They out shot the Nighthawks 12-4 over the final 45 minutes. The continuous grind led to a big-time goal in the 75th minute.
SPU controlled the ball, as Ed Weise sent it forward to Joey Van Horn. Van Horn sent the ball into the box where Cameron Yriondo headed the ball into the net to tie the match at 2-2.
The Nighthawks scored the game-winner in the 85th minute. Lukas Juodkunaitis converted another pass from Cardona for the score. The Nighthawks led 3-2 with minutes to go in the match.
SPU stayed hungry to get the game back to even. They had a corner kick in the 89th minute. Everyone came down, including keeper Lars Helleren. The ball was sent in, as Helleren got a head to it, but missed left by just inches. SPU couldn't muster one last try, falling to NNU 3-2.
"These are tough, especially with it being the end of the year," Sakuda said. "I'm proud of this senior group. We started slow this year, but the character they showed was incredible. They stuck together and battled back. The second half of this season has been great. Going from 0-3-3 to getting seven wins in the year's second half is huge. We wish we could turn some of the ties around, but that is this sport."
