BURNABY, B.C. – The Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team gained three points in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings with a 2-1 victory over Simon Fraser on Thursday evening.
"That was a big win on the road today against a really difficult opponent," head coach Kevin Sakuda said. "I'm really proud of how we responded after going down 1-0. We showed a ton of discipline in our defending, and Ray again stepped up in a key moment with a great goal. It was a really good team win."
Raymundo Mendez was a difference-maker for the Falcons in Thursday's win over Simon Fraser. He scored both of SPU's goals in its come-from-behind performance. Mendez's career total now sits at 20 goals in 28 games with the Falcons. He's scored seven goals in 2024 and leads the GNAC in the category.
The Falcons conceded a goal to the Red Leafs in the 15th minute of the match. The comeback was on for SPU. The Falcons answered 15 minutes later. Judah Johnston was tripped in the box, leading to a Falcons penalty kick. Mendez stepped forward and drilled it to tie the match 1-1.
The Falcons took the lead in the 62nd minute of the match. Johnston and Mendez teamed up again. Johnston fed Mendez the ball on the left side outside of the 18-yard box. Mendez went to work, and after a couple of dribbles, he skimmed one on the turf and into the back of the net from 10 yards out. Like that, the Falcons had taken their first lead of the match 2-1.
Pierluca Carnovale played a nice game in goal for the Falcons. He faced 15 shots and made five saves in the match. After the Falcons took the lead, Carnovale made clutch saves in the 71st and 90th minutes to secure the victory. Isaac Ketcham, Jackson Goode, Silvestre Vallejo, and Nick Ramoso played a full 90 minutes on the back line and helped SPU pick up a win.
The Falcons had 16 shots, eight of which were on goal. JJ Diaz and Lukas Shriner tied Mendez with a game-high four shots. SPU also had five corner kicks in the match.
The Falcons return to Interbay Soccer Stadium on Saturday for a 2:30 p.m. match against Saint Martin's.
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