SEATTLE – The Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team earned a hard-fought tie with third-ranked Cal State LA on Saturday at Interbay Soccer Stadium, while
Pierluca Carnovale picked up his second shutout with the Falcons.
The Falcons faced a tough test in Saturday's matchup with the #3 Golden Eagles. That test was answered well, as the two teams left with a tie. Carnovale faced 22 shots from the Golden Eagles, with seven on goal. He saved all seven, including a penalty kick save. The grad transfer from Willamette picked up his second shutout in four matches for the Falcons.
"Pierluca has been great," head coach
Kevin Sakuda said. "He's stepped up in a huge moment for us today. We've been mixing things around in the back. The guys were committed to defending, they were super disciplined with their shape, and they were organized. It was something we talked a lot about after Thursday. So, it was great to see us and learn from that experience and get better."
Raymundo Mendez worked hard to break the scoreless tie throughout Saturday's match. He was doubled often but managed to send five shots toward the Golden Eagle keeper.
Judah Johnston had two chances, with one being on goal.
Even more impressive is that the Falcons played a man down for most of the second half.
Isaac Ketcham was served a red card in the 53rd minute. The referee's decision forced the Falcons to play with 10 the rest of the match.
"I'm proud of this group," Sakuda said. "That was a hard-fought tie. Especially after Thursday, the way they responded and then also responded in a difficult situation after going on a man down. Their response was fantastic. Hopefully, this can be a springboard for us moving forward."
SPU takes their first road trip of the season next week when they head to Salt Lake City, Utah for matches against Regis and Westminster. The Falcons play the Rangers on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. PST.
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