ROHNERT PARK, Calif. (Sept. 7) -- Behind the hat trick of Brandon Boone, 25th-ranked Sonoma State earned its first win over Seattle Pacific University in 11 tries, 3-1 in a nonconference men's soccer game Saturday.

The Falcons (2-1-0), who had not allowed a goal in their first two games, were plagued by costly mistakes on defense. Boone gave the unbeaten Seawolves (3-0-0) a lead in the 31st minute with the first of his three goals. His second score, in the 52nd minute, ricocheted off SPU defender Tyler Falco and past goalie James Ward.

Seattle Pacific's anemic attack (just three shots to that point) finally came to life just 20 seconds later. Grant Falco put Jeremy Yerkes through for an 18-yard shot to close the gap. But Boone answered in the 74th minute for the final margin.

"They're opportunists," said SPU Coach Cliff McCrath, who was 8-0-2 in the first 10 meetings with Sonoma. "They took advantage of a very bad game by our guys. We hung onto the ball too long and we played tentative balls. We handed them the game."

SPU continues its stretch of five straight road games Wednesday with a GNAC match at Humboldt State.

Scoring--
1, SSU, Boone (Bussard) 31:40;
2, SSU, Boone (Bussard) 51:55;
3, SPU, Yerkes (G. Falco) 52:15l
4, SSU, Boone (Maycock) 73:17.

Shots--SPU 8, SSU 15.

Saves--SPU (Ward) 7, SSU (Bernard) 1.

Corner kicks--SPU 1, SSU 2.

Fouls--SPU 16, SSU 28.

Offside--SPU 1, SSU 3.

Cautions--C. Smith, SSU; Pardini, SPU.