NAMPA, Idaho – The Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team traveled to Northwest Nazarene for its final road match of the 2024 regular season on Thursday evening, as Raymundo Mendez scored the game-winning goal, Pierluca Carnovale picked up his fifth shutout of the season, and the Falcons won, 1-0.
"It was a complete performance from the team," head coach Kevin Sakuda said. "We had some good moments in possession and were able to capitalize on one late in the game.
Christopher Soto made some noise in the first half for the Falcons. He sent in a flurry of shots, with the second being saved by NNU. In the 19th minute, Lukas Shriner launched another shot that had to be saved by NNU to keep the Falcons off the scoreboard.
Connor Tollan created an opportunity for the Falcons in the 33rd minute. He had the third shot on goal for SPU in the first half. Like the others, Tollan's shot was saved, and the score stayed 0-0.
Raymundo Mendez took over in the second half of SPU's match against NNU. His relentless attack resulted in five shots, with four being on goal. Mendez put the Falcons on the board in the 70th minute. He ripped a shot that got over the top of the NNU keeper and into the back of the net.
Mendez entered the match as the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's leading goal scorer. Once again, he added to his season and career totals against the Nighthawks. Mendez has scored 12 goals this season. His career total moves to 25 goals in two seasons with the Falcons.
"Again, Ray came up with a timely goal as he's done all year," Sakuda said. "He's shown tremendous toughness through this season. Proud of the way we closed that game out and kept a clean sheet. Now it's about recovering quickly and making sure we are at our best to give our seniors the send-off that they deserve."
Pierluca Carnovale got the start in goal for the Falcons and picked up his first shutout since Sept. 21. Carter Gay, Isaac Ketcham, and Jackson Goode supported Carnovale with strong defense throughout the match. Carnovale faced 11 shots and only had to make two saves. The shutout was the fifth of the season for Carnovale.
The Falcons return home for the final match at Interbay Soccer Stadium this season. SPU will honor Evan Aune, Donovahn Allen, Joseph Van Horn, Mendez, Judah Johnston, and Carnovale before Saturday's match against Montana State University Billings at 7 p.m.
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