SEATTLE (Dec. 16) ­ Cliff McCrath has been voted the men's soccer Far West Region coach of the year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America after guiding Seattle Pacific University to its best season in 12 years.

Despite losing six starters from a year ago, the Falcons finished with their best record (15-3-3) since 1993 and their highest national ranking (No. 7) since 1998. Seattle Pacific advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Due to injuries, McCrath started nine different players on the backline yet SPU still finished No. 6 in NCAA Division II scoring defense.

McCrath, the Div. II career wins leader, is now a finalist for the NSCAA national coach of the year, which be announced next month.