BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Oct. 23) -- Despite a late two-goal rally, Seattle Pacific University became Cal State Bakersfield's 12th successive victim, losing 3-2 to the 7th-ranked Roadrunners Wednesday night in a non-conference men's soccer game.

The Falcons (9-5-1), who had won five of their previous six games, surrendered two goals in the opening 11 minutes and fell behind 3-0 early in the second half before getting goals from Brent Egbert and Michael Brkich.

Cal State Bakersfield (15-2-0), scoring twice off counterattacks and another from a free kick, was out-shot by Seattle Pacific, 17-11. However, Drew Rea finished both of his chances and Joey Mejias got his 12th goal of the season just 68 seconds into the match. Alfredo Chavez assisted on all three goals for the Roadrunners, who have not lost since Sept. 14.

Egbert (Jr., Bellingham, Wa./Sehome) finally put SPU on the scoreboard in the 60th minute, completing a passing sequence between Cory Janzen and Sean Sandin with a close-range shot for his fifth goal. With under 14 minutes remaining, Nick Letts (Fr., Dublin, Ca.) took possession deep in the 'Runners' half and found Brkich to pull another goal back.

The Falcons fired 12 shots in the second period, forcing four saves from CSUB keeper Josh Wicks.

"We pretty much buried them the last 20-25 minutes," said SPU Coach Cliff McCrath. "We made horrible mistakes on the first two goals and they were very much on top of it. After we came back, I thought we'd pick off a third goal and perhaps another in regulation."

Seattle Pacific's final four games are at home, beginning Tuesday night versus Simon Fraser, the No. 9 team in NAIA.

"If we sweep the table, I still think we've got a shot at the playoffs," said McCrath.

Scoring--
1, CSUB, Mejias (Chavez) 1:08;
2, CSUB, Rea (Chavez) 10:41;
3, CSUB, Rea (Sandoval, Chavez);
4, SPU, Egbert (Janzen, Sandin) 59:42;
5, SPU, Brkich (Letts) 76:42.

Shots--SPU 17, CSUB 11.

Saves--SPU (Ward) 2, CSUB (Wicks) 8.

Corner kicks--SPU 5, CSUB 4.

Fouls--SPU 10, CSUB 21.

Offside--SPU 1, CSUB 0.

Cautions--Kelley, CSUB, 37:45; Wicks, CSUB, 58:42; Gookins, CSUB, 89:41.