Complete 2003 Women's Soccer Schedule

SEATTLE (July 1) - The second-longest unbeaten string in the nation will be on the line when the Seattle Pacific University women's soccer team opens its season Aug. 28 at Cal State L.A.

That game will also mark the official debut of new SPU head coach Chuck Sekyra. He was hired in February to replace Bobby Bruch.

The Falcons finished their second season with a unbeaten run of 11 games, including nine straight victories at the end to clinch the Great Northwest Athletic Conference crown. Only Winona State (Mn.), at 13 games, owns a longer unbeaten skein in NCAA Division II.

Following three games in Southern California, Seattle Pacific has a four-game home stand at Interbay Stadium, beginning Sept. 6 versus Sonoma State. The Falcons play only eight home games and take three extended road trips, including the first venture to Arizona Oct. 18-20.

SPU returns 10 of 11 starters from its team which went 13-4-2 in 2002. Among the returnees are all-conference selections Megan Lienhard, Michelle Sanders, Shannon Lovejoy and Katy Nydam, the team's top four scorers.