Once more with meaning. Still very much in the postseason picture, the Seattle Pacific University men’s soccer team needs a victory in its final regular season game to get the necessary last-minute push. The 18th-ranked Falcons (3-2-0, 12-3-2) host Western Washington (1-2-0, 12-5-0), which is also clinging to hope, Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 3) in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference game to complete the regular season. NCAA Division II tournament berths will be announced next Monday (Nov. 8). First round play would begin Nov. 11.

The squeeze is on. Although two spots in the Far West Region are pretty much taken, the third and final place could go to any of five teams, depending upon the outcome of several games this week. Seattle Pacific is in the thick of it, along with UC San Diego, Cal State Bakersfield, Western Washington and probably Sonoma State. Undefeated Seattle University has virtually clinched the top seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage following last week’s 2-1 overtime win over the Falcons. Cal State Dominguez Hills, the only other team to defeat SPU, has sewn-up the No. 2 seed. The Falcons are seeking their first playoff bid since 2000 and their 29th altogether. They were NCAA champions five times from 1978-93.

Compare and contrast. There are several factors which affect which teams make the playoffs. Still, the final decision on that third slot will be a close call. Paramount to the case for SPU are the road wins over postseason contenders Barry, Nova Southeastern and, Oct. 16 in Bellingham, Western Washington. It did not face either UC San Diego or Cal State Bakersfield, and drew 1-1 at Sonoma State. Last week, the Falcons became the first team to score against Seattle U. in 10 games and the second to extend the Redhawks to overtime. Already, Coach Cliff McCrath’s team has clinched its best record in the past four seasons, and has lost only once on the road.

Take a bow. The sun will set around halftime Wednesday, and about an hour later the team’s six seniors will have played their final home game. The leadership of the seniors has proven to be a key component in this turnaround season, as SPU has cut its losses by more than half over last year. All six elder statesmen have started this year, as well as the past. Michael Brkich (Sr., Vancouver, B.C./Vienna Christian) has 41 starts in midfield; Tyler Falco (Sr., Veradale, Wa./University) 22 on defense. Among the current members of the first 11 are Brent Egbert (Sr., Bellingham, Wa./Sehome), the top scorer and a candidate for all-region honors; David Selby (Sr., Aloha, Or./Southridge), who has four assists from right back; David Smith (Sr., Corvallis, Or./Corvallis), a converted forward who has three game-winning goals; and goalkeeper James Ward (Sr., Salem, Or./Sprague), whose career is unique, with four goals scored and 16 shutouts. All will be recognized prior to Wednesday’s kickoff.

Early birds get the win. While the Falcons have staged their share of comebacks (two for wins this season), their fortunes seem to be tied to how games begin. They are 9-0-0 this season when scoring the game’s first goal, and have not lost in their last 11 such games, dating back to last season. Last week, a timely, last first-half strike from reserve midfielder James Coggan (Fr., San Jose, Ca./Valley Christian) opened the flood gates in a 4-1 victory over Chico State. At Seattle U., however, some early attacking forays went for naught and the Redhawks eventually went in front on a counterattack. Coggan finished with a hat trick vs. Chico, and now has five goals and two assists in the eight home games.

Nick of time. Seattle Pacific’s attack again looked sharp last week. Besides Coggan’s three-goal outburst, striker Nick Letts (Jr., Dublin, Ca./Redwood Christian) is back in form after recovering from a knee injury, and creating chances for himself and others. Letts has two goals and two assists in the last three games. He is now tied with Coggan for second on the team with 13 total points. Egbert’s 12 goals, seven assists and 31 points lead the way.

Throw-ins. The loss at Championship Field ended the Falcons’ eight-game unbeaten run on the road...Selby continues to get forward on the overlap and had two assists vs. Chico State...Andy Willis (So., Gig Harbor, Wa./Gig Harbor) scored his fifth goal against Chico and assisted on the Letts goal at SU...Smith must miss Wednesday’s game after picking-up his fifth yellow card at Seattle U...Coggan’s hat trick was the first this season, and the first by a non-starter since Phil Bullard in 1993...Six players have started each game: Egbert, defender Drew Macha (Fr., Eugene, Or./Marist) Selby, Smith, Ross Vaillancourt (Jr., Bedford, NH/Manchester West) and Ward. Sean Sandin (Jr., Renton, Wa./Kentridge) has 16 starts....Egbert remains No. 2 in GNAC assists and No. 3 in total points and goals. Despite playing in only 13 games, Letts is now ninth in points (13) and fifth (5) in assists. Ward is third in GAA (0.99)...SPU has out-scored opponents 17-7 in the first half. In each of its two ties and three losses, Seattle Pacific has allowed the game’s first goal.

Coaching Staff. Cliff McCrath is the Division II leader in career coaching victories (550). In 2002 he surpassed San Francisco’s retired Steve Negoesco to briefly become collegiate soccer’s leader for all divisions. McCrath has led SPU to a record 27 NCAA playoff appearances, including berths in 17 of the last 20 years, and five national titles (1978, ‘83, ‘85, ‘86 and ‘93). He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and is a past national coach of the year. His staff includes former Falcons Mark Metzger (‘78 championship team), Sergio Soriano (‘78 NCAA winners) and Mark Collings (‘98 Final Four).

Tickets, Please. Ticket prices for all SPU regular season home games are $7 for reserved and $5 for general admission, with students and senior citizens receiving G.A. tickets for $3. Group and team rates are available by phoning (206) 281-2085 in advance.

Missing links. For the latest and best information on Seattle Pacific University athletics, stay where you're at -- on The Falcons Online. For updated standings and statistics, see the Great Northwest Athletic Conference web site.