SEATTLE (Oct. 12) -- A depleted Seattle Pacific University men's soccer team saw its four-game unbeaten streak snapped with a 3-2 loss to Seattle University in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference game Saturday at Championship Field.

The Falcons (7-4-1), who had won three in a row, fell behind 2-0 in the first 20 minutes and, although they twice rallied to score, suffered their first GNAC defeat in three games. Midfielders Nick Letts (Fr., Dublin, Ca.) and Brent Egbert (Jr., Bellingham, Wa.) each scored goals in defeat.

Seattle U. (8-4-1) has now won three consecutive meetings between the two teams, who will meet again Nov. 1 at Interbay Stadium. The Redhawks took advantage of a juggled young SPU lineup to go in front early. James Vert scored in the 11th minute and a penalty kick by Evan McNeley made it 2-0 at 19:44.

The Falcons played without six players, four of them starters, due to suspensions imposed after a breach of team rules. Coach Cliff McCrath started five freshmen and five sophomores. He said five of the players were given one-game suspensions prior to Friday's practice. Another player will sit-out an additional game.

"We had some people who really came of age," said McCrath. "They battled and, all things considered, gave a good account of themselves against a formidable team."

It was Letts who first pulled Seattle Pacific a goal back, finishing a long free kick from Jeremy Yerkes (So., Gresham, Or.) at 28:05. After Elliott Fauske restored the SU lead to two goals in the 67th minute, Egbert hit back with his fourth goal of the season at 69:48.

The Falcons, who out-shot Seattle U. 11-10 in the second half, produced several scoring chances for a tying goal in the final 20 minutes but could not convert. Defender Mark Cox was ejected with 3:07 remaining, leaving SPU a man short for the balance. The Redhawks finished with an 18-14 advantage in shots. James Ward (So., Salem, Or.) made eight saves in goal. Yerkes extended his run to five consecutive games contributing either a goal or an assist.

SPU hosts Grand Canyon Thursday night before playing its final two road games, both in California.

Scoring--
1, SU, Vert (A. Chursky) 10:27;
2, SU, McNeley (penalty kick) 19:44;
3, SPU, Letts (Yerkes) 28:05;
4, SU, Fauske (Doran, McCluskey) 66:14;
5, SPU, Egbert (unassisted) 69:48.

Shots--SPU 14, SU 18.

Saves--SU (Sewell) 3, SPU (Ward) 8.

Corner kicks--SPU 4, SU 5.

Fouls--SU 18, SU 20.

Offside--SPU 0, SU 6.

Cautions--Brkich, SPU, 19:44; Thurber, SU, 37:29; Besagno, SU, 46:31; Sandin, SPU, 61:39; Vaillancourt, SPU, 77:07.

Ejections--Cox, SPU, 86:53.