SEATTLE – Seattle Pacific University men's soccer head coach Kevin Sakuda announced the team's 2023 schedule on Monday afternoon, featuring four matches in California, six promotional events at home matches, and a loaded Great Northwest Athletic Conference schedule.
Before the season begins, the SPU men's soccer team has an international trip. The Falcons' trip lasts 12 days as the Falcons travel through Spain and France. They'll visit Costa Brava, San Sebastian, Biarritz, France, and Bilbao. Along with immersion in new countries' cultures, the team will play exhibition games throughout their trip.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the team," Sakuda said. "We hope to provide the best possible student-athlete experience, and I couldn't think of a better way. They'll have the chance to explore a new culture, challenge themselves against new opponents, bond as a team, and open their eyes to a world beyond our borders."
After three exhibition games in August, the Falcons open their season with four consecutive matches in California. SPU opens against Chico State on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m., followed by a match against Sonoma State on Sept. 2 at 1 p.m. The following weekend, the Falcons take on a pair of PacWest Conference opponents. On Sept. 7, SPU plays Point Loma at 4 p.m. Then the team plays CUI on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.
SPU's home opener happens on Sept. 14 against Regis at 7 p.m. On Sept. 16, the Falcons welcome the Colorado School of Mines for Legacy Night. The Falcons are inviting SPU men's soccer alumni to the match to celebrate the 55th Anniversary of the program, as well as three national championship anniversaries (1978, 1983, 1993). Program Alumni will be welcomed down to the field prior to kickoff for acknowledgment. Then at halftime, the 1993 national championship team will be presented with championship rings.
"We are excited about our 2023 season," Sakuda added. "We start the year on the road with two trips to California before returning home to play two of the top teams in the RMAC in Regis and Mines. Our non-conference schedule provides a great opportunity to showcase ourselves against other teams in our super region and is significant in building our resume for the NCAA selection committee. We are especially excited about our Legacy Night on Sept. 16 where we will be able to celebrate with our men's soccer alumni the 55th anniversary of the men's soccer program, as well as the 45th anniversary of the 78' Championship, the 40th anniversary of the 83' championship, and the 30th anniversary of the 93' Championship."
The Falcons open GNAC play on the road against Northwest Nazarene on Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. A week later, SPU travels to Western Washington for a 7 p.m. start.
The Falcons return home on Oct. 7 for a 4:30 match against MSU Billings. The Falcons are hosting Family Night when the Yellowjackets are in Seattle. All tickets are 50 percent off. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy corn hole, coloring books, spike ball, and more.
Simon Fraser comes to Seattle on Oct. 12 for a 5 p.m. match. Fans are encouraged to use an E-Bike or E-Scooter to get to that game. Those that post a picture of their E-Transportation to social media and use the hashtag #RideWithTheFalcons will get a free voucher for popcorn at the match.
It's a quick turnaround for SPU, as they'll travel to Billings, Mont. on Oct. 14. The rematch between the Falcons and the Yellowjackets happens just seven days after their first encounter.
The Falcons host Saint Martin's on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. Come with an appetite, as SPU puts on a $1 hot dog night.
The final week of October features tough travel and opponents for the Falcons. They start their weekend at Simon Fraser on Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m. The team returns home the following Saturday for a match against Western Washington at 7 p.m. The Falcons plan to celebrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that night.
The Falcons' final regular season road trip takes place the first week of November. It starts with a short trip to Saint Martin's for a 3:30 p.m. game on Nov. 2. On Nov. 4, the team takes on Western Oregon at 11 a.m.
The final weekend of the regular season happens at home for the Falcons. On Nov. 9, SPU hosts Northwest Nazarene at 4 p.m. The team is hosting a shoe drive, where shoes can be donated to cover the price of admission. All running shoes will be donated to Super Jock 'N Jill, at their Green Lake location. Other shoes will be donated through Soles4Souls.
The Falcons' last game of the season takes place against Western Oregon on Nov, 11 at 7 p.m. SPU will celebrate their seniors that night.
