SEATTLE – The Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team played its first home game of 2023 at Interbay Soccer Stadium on Thursday night against Regis, as an instant goal and constant offensive pressure from the Falcons was canceled out by an 88th-minute dagger from the Rangers, as they left Seattle with a 2-1 win.
"Overall, I thought we played well," head coach Kevin Sakuda said. "We had a ton of control and a lot of chances. We limited most of their opportunities. It can be a tough game sometimes. I told the guys that I thought they deserved better from tonight. At the same time, you have to take it and close out games. We were punished for not doing that."
The game got off to an electrifying start as Orlando Erazo seized the moment just seconds after kickoff. Tyler Speer scooted the ball to Erazo on the left side, where he went to work. Erazo attacked the Rangers defense and slotted the ball into the upper right corner of the net in the very first minute. The home crowd erupted as SPU took an early 1-0 lead.
SPU's dominant possession and numerous goal attempts showcased their determination to extend their lead. The Falcons totaled 23 shots, 10 on goal, to just eight from the Rangers. The Falcons had 13 of their 23 shots in the second half.
Connor Tollan was relentless for the Falcons throughout Thursday's contest. He led the way with four shots. Erazo, Raymundo Mendez, Donovahn Allen, and Luis Zazueta sent three shots each against the Rangers.
Regis found a way to hold off the Falcons offense. Goalkeeper Cristian Sattin made nine saves.
The Rangers leveled the match in the 60th minute. Then in the 88th minute, Matteo Colombo snuck one under Cam Welty from 14 yards out.
"I love these guys, and my belief in them hasn't wavered one bit," Sakuda said. "We're playing great soccer. We're trying to dial in a few things so that we can move forward and get some of these results. Sometimes, it's just tough."
The Falcons return to Interbay on Saturday for a match at 5 p.m. against RV Colorado School of Mines. The Falcons have invited SPU men's soccer alumni to Saturday's 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 before kickoff for acknowledgment. Then at halftime, the 1993 national championship team will be presented with championship rings.
