Hot start sought. Seeking a hot start to its ‘05 men’s soccer season, Seattle Pacific University opens play against a longtime region rival in a locale known for its late-summer scorching temperatures. The Falcons face Chico State Thursday night (Aug. 25) and then meet Fresno Pacific Saturday evening (Aug. 27) in Chico before returning home to host San Francisco State Aug. 31. Seven of the first nine games will be played on the road, including two visits to top-15 ranked teams. Great Northwest Athletic Conference play begins Sept. 24.

Tough neighborhood. So strong is the Far West Region of NCAA Division II, that few teams can afford to lose more than a couple games if they hope to make the postseason tournament. Seattle Pacific knows that all too well. The Falcons were 13-3-2 last season but those three losses–all to playoff bound teams–were enough to leave them on the sidelines come mid-November. Coach Cliff McCrath has essentially told his troops that every game is a must-win situation. A year ago, a loss in the opening game left the team in a continual battle to get into playoff contention. SPU was the only top-25 team which did not earn a postseason berth.

August or bust. If August seems too early to start the soccer season, no wonder. From 1979-97, Seattle Pacific never started before Sept. 1. This year’s opening day match is the second-earliest on record. And August has not augured well for the Falcons. Since they last qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2000, they have an August record of just 3-4-0. On the other hand, SPU was practically unbeatable on the road last season, going 7-1-1 (the sole defeat was in overtime at eventual national champion Seattle U.).

Ancient history. Of course, much of what happened in the past, including last year, is ancient history to nearly half of the roster. Twelve newcomers made the 26-man list, and while McCrath considers it a talented cast he is concerned that the loss of six seniors will leave a leadership void. Filling a large part of that role could be central midfielder Ross Vaillancourt (Sr., Bedford, NH/Manchester West). Vaillancourt is a three-year starter who earned an all-region selection last season. He will hook-up with forwards Nick Letts (Sr., Dublin, Ca./Redwood Christian) and Andy Willis (Jr., Gig Harbor, Wa.), who combined for nine goals. The other returning starters are Matt Kemper (So., Colorado Springs, Co./Palmer) and Michael Morris (Jr., Bothell, Wa./Blanchet), who will play behind and beside, respectively, Vallaincourt in midfield; stopper Drew Macha (So., Eugene, Or./Marist) and outside back Sean Sandin (Sr., Renton, Wa./Kentridge). Kye Taylor (Sr., Powell River, BC/Cameron), who started in ‘03 but was plagued by injuries last season, is likely to rejoin the back four. James Coggan (So., San Jose, Ca./Valley Christian), the No. 2 returning scorer, and Jeff Hallenbeck (So., Redmond, Wa./Inglemoor) are vying for expanded roles in the attack while Kellen Rosten (So., Colorado Springs, Co./Doherty), following a solid spring, is the heir-apparent in goal.

The news. While the Falcons could field a fairly experienced team of newcomers, McCrath has been impressed by several newcomers, with at least four getting consideration for starting spots. David Reuhl (Jr., Bothell, Wa./Bothell-Bellevue CC), a two-time junior college all-star, is pressing for a job at right back. In midfield, Daniel Carpenter (Fr., Santa Cruz, Ca./Harbor) and Steve Spencer (Jr., Scottsdale, Az./Chaparral-Paradise Valley CC) are in the mix, and Colin Rigby (Jr., Mercer Island, Wa./MI-Denver U.) proved to be effective up front in the spring. Rigby started for Denver as a freshman.

Throw-ins. Temperatures are forecast for the mid-90s this week in Chico...SPU was 10-0-0 last season when scoring the game’s first goal. In each of its two ties and three losses, Seattle Pacific has allowed the game’s first goal...Based on winning percentage, the Falcons are coming off their best road record (7-1-1 including neutral sites) since 1985...Coggan contributed all five of his goals and two assists in nine home games, including a hat trick in a 4-1 home win over Chico State...James Ward, who was a four-year starter in goal, is now the reserve keeper for the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division...Seattle University, which won the NCAA championship, was the unanimous GNAC preseason favorite and is No. 2 in the national poll. Cal State Bakersfield is No. 11 and Cal State Dominguez Hills is No. 15. The Falcons visit both teams next month. The Falcons, after finishing No. 25 last season, were omitted...Jeremy Bonner (Sr., Sammamish, Wa./Eastlake) and Greg Truax (Sr., Corvallis, Or./Corvallis-Gonzaga) round out the class of six seniors...Other first-year players in contention for early season playing time are Colin Kosco (Fr., Edmonds, Wa./Meadowdale) and Jono Henness (Fr., Casa Grande, Az./Casa Grande Union). Ben Lovelace (Fr., Cupertino, Ca./

Coaching Staff. Cliff McCrath is the Division II leader in career coaching victories (563). 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 21 years, and five national titles (1978, ‘83, ‘85, ‘86 and ‘93). His staff includes former Falcons Mark Collings (‘98 Final Four), Mark Metzger (‘78 championship team), and Sergio Soriano (‘78 NCAA winners).

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.