SEATTLE – For the second game in a row, Rafel Lucio got two attempts at a penalty kick.
On this night, only the second one counted.
But that was enough.
The Seattle Pacific senior forward converted an unexpected retry with 6:57 left on Saturday, lifting the 10th-ranked Falcons to a 1-0 non-conference men's soccer victory against No. 4 Point Loma Nazarene at Interbay Soccer Stadium.
On Thursday, Lucio drilled two shots from the spot in a 3-2 non-conference win against Westmont.
Saturday's result lifted SPU to a 4-0-0 start for the first time since 2015. It also was the second victory against an NCAA Division II top-5 team. The Falcons opened the season by downing then-No. 5 Stanislaus State, 3-1.
FROM COACH KEVIN SAKUDA
"Credit to our guys – it was a big-time win and a big-time performance, getting a clean sheet and making big plays when it counted," Sakuda said. "That's a really talented and really well-coached Point Loma team, and our guys showed up tonight for sure."
Sakuda was confident that Lucio would make good on his second try at the PK.
"Anytime when you're having to re-take one, that makes it a little more difficult," he said. "But he's calm when he gets in front of the goal, and we trust him."
Lining up top-caliber non-conference opponents such as Point Loma Nazarene is always a priority for Sakuda.
"We want to play against the best teams and we schedule hard because it gives our guys that experience," he said. "They come here because they know they're going to play in these type of games. It's another big challenge (this coming Thursday at No. 20 Regis). But we're getting a good start, and we have to continue to remain humble and keep working and be willing to get after it."
HOW IT HAPPENED
--During a scrum in the Point Loma penalty area,
Lucio was knocked to the ground and needed a few moments to get up. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot.
--Lucio got back to his feet, did his customary multi-step dance while approaching the ball, then sent a shot toward the left side of the net.
--Sea Lions goalkeeper
Jeremy Caringella dove and made the save. But while the ensuing celebration was going on, it was ruled that he came off his line before the ball was struck, thereby nullifying the attempt and leading to a second chance for Lucio.
--This time, he went to the back right corner when Caringella again was diving toward the left.
--Lucio thought he was going to get a PK early in the second half. With 37:12 left he again was knocked hard to the ground, and the ref signaled to the spot. But after a conversation with one of the assistant referees, the call was waved off.
--Seattle Pacific nearly had a goal just 12 minutes into the game. Caringella came way out of his box and was between the top of the arc and the center circle. Falcons midfielder
JP Guzman got behind him and had a step on a defender toward the gaping goal. But his shot from the top of the box bounced wide right.
Willem Ficek
--Point Loma had three back-to-back-to-back tries at the goal in the 20th minute. Shawn O'Brien's shot from the right side clanged off the crossbar,
Cole Friesen got a shot on the rebound but it was blocked, then he got that rebound and fired again, only to see it saved by Falcons goalkeeper
Willem Ficek.
--SPU had a similar opportunity early in the second half.
Judah Straight had a try from the top left side of box that was saved by Caringella, Lucio's shot on the rebound was blocked, then Guzman got his foot to that rebound, but sent it over the top.
FROM SENIOR FORWARD RAFAEL LUCIO
"The first one, he had a good save, but he stepped off his line, so I knew I had to put it away (on the second try) and got it done," Lucio said. "We've got to put them away – that's soccer, and that's what it's all about."
Lucio said he usually has an idea of where he wants to direct his penalty kicks. But sometimes, that can change.
"I take that slow little step (toward the ball) and see if the keeper is moving -- it depends on the keeper," he said, adding that adding that "of course" he knew he was going to the opposite side on the re-take.
Lucio has been enjoying the games against some of the best teams from the NCAA West Region.
"It's always a battle. The level is always up, and we're up for it, as well," he said.
FROM THE BOX SCORE
--Lucio's goal was his fourth of the season.
--Point Loma finished with a 16-14 advantage in shots.
--Lucio and Guzman each five shots for the Falcons.
--Grad student goalkeeper Ficek was credited with three saves for his first shutout of the season.
--Caringella made three saves.
--SPU had an edge in possession, 53 to 47 percent.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
--Lucio's fourth goal ties him for the GNAC lead with Western Oregon's Archie Dhima.
--The Sea Lions, who won the Pacific West Conference Tournament and reached the NCAA Division II quarterfinals last season, went 0-2 on their Pacific Northwest road trip. They fell 2-1 at Western Washington on Thursday.
--Seattle Pacific's 2015 went on to a 5-0-0 start.
UP NEXT
The Falcons will face another ranked opponent when a stretch of seven consecutive road matches. Up first on Thursday in Denver is No. 20
Regis University. Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m. Pacific time.
