SPU Men Snap Redhawk Scoreless Streak, But Fall in OT, 2-1
October 30, 2004

SEATTLE (Oct. 30) ­ Although it became the first opponent to score against Seattle University's defense in 10 games, 18th-ranked Seattle Pacific University was denied an upset of the top-rated and unbeaten Redhawks, 2-1 in overtime Saturday at Championship Field in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference men's soccer game.

Cameron Weaver hit the game-winner 7 minutes, 13 seconds into the first extra period of sudden death for Seattle U. (5-0-0/17-0-1), which clinched a second straight GNAC title and a likely No. 1 seed in the NCAA Division II tournament next month. It was the fifth time in the last six meetings that the outcome was determined in overtime.

The Falcons (3-2-0/12-3-2), whose three losses have all been to top-10 teams, had tied the game in the 60th minute on a goal by Nick Letts (Jr., Dublin, Ca.), his fourth of the season. SPU remains on the bubble with regard to a playoff berth with one game remaining.

Bobby McAlister's league-leading 18th goal of the year, coming against the run of play, had opened the scoring in the 37th minute. Following a scramble at the top of the box, Pat Doran slid the ball wide right for McAlister to fire home from 10 yards at 36:13.

Seattle Pacific, which finished with a 16-14 advantage in shots, knotted the score on a play initiated by a free kick. Andy Willis took initial shot, which rebounded off the crossbar and Letts was there to convert on a header at 59:34. Seattle U. had won its previous nine games, all by shutout.

The visitors' best chance to go in front came with 20 minutes left in regulation. Jeremiah Doyle, SU goalie, saved James Coggan's initial shot, but left an open net. Coggan collected the loose ball but shot just over the top.

Doran's cross from the right side set-up Weaver for the finish at the left post, earning Seattle U. its 10th win in row. The Redhawks had not allowed a goal since a 1-1 tie at UC San Diego Sept. 17.

SPU concludes the regular season Wednesday afternoon at home against Western Washington.

Scoring--1, SU, McAlister (Doran) 36:13; 2, SPU, Letts (Willis) 59:34; 3, SU, Weaver (Doran) 97:13.

Shots--SPU 16, SU 14.

Saves--SPU (Ward) 3, SU (Doyle) 3.

Corner kicks--SPU 2, SU 1.

Fouls--SPU 20, SU 27.

Offside--SPU 1, SU 2.

Cautions--Selby, SPU , 39:59; Besagno, SU, 39:59; Vaillancourt, SPU, 42:26; Smith, SPU, 44:00; Egbert, SPU, 91:54.