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Men's Soccer

Falcons Face Tough Tests at Home This Weekend

SEATTLE – The Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team is set for another weekend at Interbay Soccer Stadium with matches against talented California Collegiate Athletic Association teams. On Thursday, the Falcons host Dominguez Hills at 7 p.m. followed by a match against #3 Cal State LA on Saturday at 2 p.m.
 
QUOTABLE
"It's another big week for us and we will be tested against two of the top teams in our Region.  Both teams have quality players, are well-coached, and have a history of success.  We know we will have to be at our best this week. There were a lot of positive takeaways from our first two games and some moments that we have learned from and will make us better as the season progresses. We are excited to get back out in front of our fans at Interbay." – head coach Kevin Sakuda.
 
GET YOUR SPU MEN'S SOCCER GEAR THIS WEEKEND
Hey, Falcon fans! Get ready to show your support for SPU Men's Soccer with our exclusive game-day merchandise and perks. Items will be available at the concession stand at Interbay Soccer Stadium during this weekend's matches.
  • SPU Soccer Sweatshirts – Stay cozy and stylish while you root for the team! Our sweatshirts are perfect for those chilly game nights.
  • SPU Soccer T-Shirts – Rock your Falcon pride with our trendy tees. Available in various sizes and colors, these shirts are a must-have for any SPU fan.
  • Brown Bear Car Wash Vouchers – Keep your ride shining bright. Grab a voucher for a top-notch car wash courtesy of Brown Bear and support our team with every clean.
 
SPU ATHLETICS FALCON OF THE WEEK
Judah Johnston was a key contributor for the Falcons offense last weekend. The fifth-year senior from Arvada, Colo., was a key contributor for the Falcons offense during opening weekend, scoring two goals in two matches. Against Sonoma State, Raymundo Mendez was fouled in the box, setting up a penalty kick Johnston stepped forward and made the kick, giving SPU a 2-0 lead that went on to be the final score.
 
On Saturday against No. 18 Chico State Johnston broke a scoreless tie in the 18th minute.  Connor Tollan sent the only corner of the first half into the box for the Falcons. Johnston emerged to get his head to it and scored from 6 yards out. 
Johnston is tied for the most goals in the conference with two after the opening weekend of matches.
 
SPECTACULAR SPU DEBUT
Pierluca Carnovale got the start in goal to open the 2024 season, and he did not disappoint. He picked up his first career shutout with SPU when the team beat Sonoma State 2-0 last Thursday. Carnovale made a massive save in the 40th minute of the match to keep the score level. Sonoma State's Brian Chang ripped a shot toward the lower left corner that Carnovale poked away with his foot. 
 
Carnovale wrapped a clean sheet in his SPU debut at the end of 90 minutes. He received excellent support from Evan Aune and Isaac Ketcham, who played a full 90 minutes in front of him. The graduate transfer from Willamette University faced 15 shots and made three saves, all of which came in the first half. After two matches, the Falcons have allowed the third-fewest goals in the GNAC.
 
PICKING UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF
Raymundo Mendez scored the first goal of the season for the Falcons in their 2-0 win over Sonoma State. SPU got on the board in the 74th minute. Connor Tollan sent a corner kick from the right side into the box. The low line found Mendez, whose diving header from four yards out found the back of the net. Like that, the 2023 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year scored his first goal of 2024.
 
ABOUT DOMINGUEZ HILLS
After going unbeaten to win the conference in 2022 (7-0-4), CSUDH fell to 5-6-6 (2-5-4 CCAA) in 2023. The Toros will have an experienced squad returning with at least 11 letter winners. CSUDH led the conference last year in shots per match (16.76). They were picked to finish sixth in the CCAA Preseason Coaches Poll.
 
ABOUT CAL STATE LA
Cal State LA is the defending CCAA regular season champions and the three-time defending CCAA Tournament Champions. The Golden Eagles are expected to have a much younger team this year as they lost many from their CCAA Championship teams to graduation. One returner is central defender Andrew Portis, who is back to anchor a defense that ranked second in NCAA Division II in shutout percentage (.727) and first in save percentage (.893). The Golden Eagles were picked to finish first in the CCAA Preseason Coaches Poll and are currently ranked third in the country in the United Soccer Coaches National Poll.
 
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Players Mentioned

Evan Aune

#2 Evan Aune

D
6' 3"
Graduate Student
Judah Johnston

#17 Judah Johnston

F
6' 1"
Fifth Year
Isaac Ketcham

#13 Isaac Ketcham

D
5' 11"
Redshirt Sophomore
Raymundo Mendez

#9 Raymundo Mendez

M
5' 9"
Senior
Connor Tollan

#10 Connor Tollan

M
5' 11"
Junior
Pierluca Carnovale

#35 Pierluca Carnovale

GK
6' 1"
Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

Evan Aune

#2 Evan Aune

6' 3"
Graduate Student
D
Judah Johnston

#17 Judah Johnston

6' 1"
Fifth Year
F
Isaac Ketcham

#13 Isaac Ketcham

5' 11"
Redshirt Sophomore
D
Raymundo Mendez

#9 Raymundo Mendez

5' 9"
Senior
M
Connor Tollan

#10 Connor Tollan

5' 11"
Junior
M
Pierluca Carnovale

#35 Pierluca Carnovale

6' 1"
Graduate Student
GK