BILLINGS, Mont. – Tyler Speer's timely first goal of the season helped the Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team escape with a 1-1 draw against MSU Billings on Saturday afternoon.  

"MSUB did a good job of making it difficult on us," head coach Kevin Sakuda said. "There were some moments we wish we could have had back. There are some areas in the attacking third that we need to be better in."

Saturday's match between the Falcons and Yellowjackets was as even as you could imagine. Both teams had three shots on goal. Lars Helleren matched the MSUB keeper with two saves. SPU gained one more corner kick than their opponent. Still, the Yellowjackets were able to create separation in the 73rd minute.

Like the Falcons have done several times to others, the 'Jackets scored their goal on a corner kick. Bjarne Fedkenhauer sent the ball into the box where Kolja Thomas used a header to put it away. Suddenly, the Falcons led 1-0 with just 17 minutes left in the match.

Despite time winding down, the Falcons were calculated in their attempt to tie the match. They moved the ball from the back to the left side where it eventually stopped at the feet of Andrew Tran in the middle of the field. He flicked it ahead to Orlando Erazo, who got just enough of the ball to dribble a pass into the box on the left side. Cameron Yriondo chased it down and crossed it in front of the goal. Speer beat two Yellowjackets to the ball and scored it for the game-tying goal.  

"I'm proud of our response after giving up the late goal by fighting to get one," Sakuda said. "We have a big week with Simon and Western coming up. We know they are quality opponents. We'll take the tie today, and get our bodies right for the next one."

The Falcons turn their attention to Simon Fraser and Western Washington. SPU travels to Canada for a match against the Red Leafs on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, the Falcons face the Vikings at 7 p.m. in Bellingham, Wash.