SEATTLE (Oct. 31) -- Seattle Pacific University's postseason hopes suffered a serious blow as Western Washington got a goal from Cody Hagler in the 65th minute to defeat the 21st-ranked Falcons 1-0 at Interbay Stadium Wednesday night.

The loss, the first since Oct. 13, was crucial since SPU (10-7-1) entered the week tied with Grand Canyon for the second and final regional berth in the NCAA Division II soccer tournament. Grand Canyon plays Friday night and Seattle Pacific completes the regular season Saturday night by hosting Simon Fraser.

Hagler's goal gave the Vikings (10-9-1) their first win over the Falcons in 33 meetings, dating back to 1971. He finished a give-and-go with Paul Nissley at the top of the box and tucking his 14-yard shot inside the far post, past a diving James Ward (Fr., Salem, Or./Sprague), the SPU goalie.

Coach Cliff McCrath moved Ward to forward for the final 14 minutes, 39 seconds of the match and the play nearly paid off. Ward just missed sliding into a cross from from Grant Falco (Jr., Spokane, Wa./University) in front of the WWU net in the 88th minute.

Seattle Pacific finished with an 11-8 edge in shots and Hagler's was the only Western attempt in the second half. Darin Laier made two saves to earn the shutout.

The NCAA tournament bracket will be announced Monday. SPU has made the playoffs each of the last 11 years.

Scoring--
1, WWU, Hagler (Nissley) 64:27.

Shots--WWU 8, SPU 11.

Saves--WWU (Laier) 2, SPU (Ward 3/Cravalho 0) 3.

Corner kicks--WWU 2, SPU 1.

Fouls--WWU 18, SPU 11.

Offside--WWU 5, SPU 0.

Cautions--Hoff, SPU, 58:00; Coach McCrath, SPU, 58:00.