Complete Box Score

SEATTLE (Aug .26) ­ Matt Kemper scored a first-half goal and helped Seattle Pacific University's defense post its ninth shutout in the last 10 home games as the 9th-ranked Falcons beat Chico State 3-0 in the opening game Saturday night at Interbay Stadium.

Michael Morris (Sr., Bothell, Wa./Blanchet) and Steve Spencer (Sr., Scottsdale, Az./Chaparral) added goals in the second half and the SPU home unbeaten streak extended to 14 games over three seasons.

Advancing from his sweeper position, Kemper (Jr., Colorado Springs, Co./Palmer) backheeled in a rebound of his own shot from point-blank range in the 30th minute to open the scoring. Initially he had taken a pass from Jeff Hallenbeck (Jr., Redmond, Wa./Inglemoor) and fired off a Wildcat defender.

Chico State (0-2-0) nearly equalized in the 47th minute but Kris Schauer was denied when SPU keeper Kellen Rosten (Jr., Colorado Springs, Co./Doherty) rushed out to block the shot with his body. Rosten finished with four saves.

Morris converted a free kick in the 69th minute, curling an 18-yard ball into the upper left corner. Spencer's goal at 83:26 came after a cross from Josh Burnside (Fr., Black Diamond, Wa./Kennedy) from the left wing.

The Falcons (1-0-0) twice hit the crossbar. Hallenbeck's shot caromed out in the 10th minutes and Justin Abel (Jr., Snohomish, Wa.) struck the metal from 12 yards in the 79th.

Seattle Pacific hosts 5th-ranked Cal State Dominguez Hills Tuesday at 4:30.

Scoring--1, SPU, Kemper (unassisted) 29:49; 2, SPU, Morris (unassisted) 68:52; 3, SPU, Spencer (Burnside) 83:26.

Shots--CSC 7, SPU 15.

Saves--CSC (Linne) 4, SPU (Rosten) 4.

Corner kicks--CSC 6, SPU 6.

Fouls--CSC 19, SPU 17.

Cautions--Morris, SPU, 19:54; Gardner, CSC, 71:47.