NAMPA, IDAHO – The Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team opened Great Northwest Athletic Conference play against Northwest Nazarene on Thursday afternoon. The Falcons battled back into the match with a second-half goal and earned the 1-1 draw with the Nighthawks.

The Falcons found themselves defending often early in the match. The Nighthawks had the advantage, taking five shots to just one from SPU over the first 45 minutes. NNU took the lid off with a goal from Jim Wagenaar in the 30th minute. They'd take the 1-0 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Falcons went on the attack. Orlando Erazo created a chance for Raymundo Mendez. Mendez found the back of the net, leveling the match 1-1. It was his fourth goal this season. Mendez is tied for third in the conference in goals scored this season.

"NNU made it really tough on us, but the guys showed some great character to come from behind," head coach Kevin Sakuda said. "We made adjustments in the second half and had some chances but couldn't find the second. Proud of the way the guys fought and continued to play our style against a great opponent."

The Falcons consistently threatened throughout the second half. They put up 10 shots during that time. In total, four shots were on frame for SPU. Cameron Yriondo ripped a shot in the 85th minute. In the final minute, Christopher Soto nearly had a game-winner for SPU. 

Donovahn Allen, Isaac Ketcham, and Jackson Goode played well defensively for the Falcons. The team faced 14 shots, with just three being on goal. Mitchell Wilson made the start in goal for the Falcons. He made two saves on the day.

It'll be another week before the Falcons play again. They'll be on the road, traveling to Bellingham, Wash. to play Western Washington at 7 p.m.