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That’s hot. Two things are sizzling for the Seattle Pacific University men’s soccer team: their unbeaten record and the weather to come. The Falcons (4-0-1), ranked 11th with another national poll due before their next kickoff, are traveling into some severe heat for the next couple games. SPU visits Cal State L.A. (3-2-1) Tuesday night (Sept. 11) and Grand Canyon (1-3-1) Friday (Sept. 14) in Phoenix. The next home game is Sept. 20.

Global warming. California has gotten more than it’s fair share of high heat lately, and Seattle Pacific should expect the air temperature to be about 80 degrees come game time against the Golden Eagles. Usually, the annual excursion to Arizona doesn’t occur until October, and for good reason: the forecast for Saturday is 107, although it will likely dip under triple digits by kickoff.

Rollin’ along, sort of. Style points aside, this has been a pretty good start for Seattle Pacific. In fact, it’s the first time the Falcons have started unbeaten in their first five games since 1991’s 6-0-0 opening. The causes for concern: All four wins by a single goal, and the attack generated only four goal in the last four games. Last week began with a 2-1 overtime decision over Sonoma State, then a 1-0 verdict in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference debut at Saint Martin’s.

Saving the day. Resembling his form from two years ago, when he was the GNAC player of the year, goalkeeper Kellen Rosten (Sr., Colorado Springs, Co./Doherty) is making a big difference. He was named the GNAC player of the week for his role in the most recent wins. Rosten flung himself at a close-range volley during the dying seconds of the first overtime versus Sonoma, and he finished with 10 saves altogether. The defense has now posted three shutouts, with Rosten owning 19 for his career. That ties for No. 4 all-time at Seattle Pacific and No. 2 in the conference. Most of the action was kept upfield at Saint Martin’s, with the Saints attempting only three shots and Rosten’s sole save a relatively easy one.

Using his head. No, he’s not the biggest guy on the park, but somehow he’s getting a head on the ball amidst the taller trees. At 68 inches high, Jeff Hallenbeck (Sr., Redmond, Wa./Inglemoor) usually torments defenders with his feet, but he has used his used his head to great effect in the last two games. Hallenbeck headed home the decisive goal at Lacey on a first-half cross from Colin Kosco (Jr., Edmonds, Wa./Meadowdale). He flicked on a corner kick to set-up the first goal against Sonoma. Hallenbeck has either scored or assisted on each of the Falcons’ last four goals.

Closer & closer. He’s long since surpassed the win totals of any coach who’s ever been at the NAIA, Div. II or Div. I level. All that’s left for Cliff McCrath is the matter of another milestone and, shortly thereafter, the honor of being the king of all soccer. Again. Back in 2002, McCrath surpassed former San Francisco boss Steve Negoesco. Then Joe Bean, coach of McCrath’s alma mater, Wheaton, leapfrogged them both. With Bean now retired, McCrath (594) is inching closer and closer to his career win record of 606. First will come the matter of No. 600. He has celebrated all five century markers with SPU, beginning with his 100th in 1972. Two-hundred came and went in ‘79, 300 in ‘85, 400 in ‘92 and 500 in ‘99. All but one of the Falcons’ wins since the program inception in 1968 have been with McCrath on the bench, including five NCAA championships (‘78, ‘83, ‘85, ‘86 and ‘93).

Throw-ins. Grant Burton (Fr., Lafayette, Co./Monarch got his first start at Saint Martin’s...Seattle Pacific has outscored opponents 4-1 in the first half...Hallenbeck’s three assists tie him for the GNAC lead...Rosten will have No. 4 all to himself with his next shutout. He’s currently tied on the SPU career list with Ken Hall (1974-76) and Johann Noetzel (1995, ‘98-99). Marcus Hahnemann is the career leader with 46. With 194 saves, Rosten needs 19 to reach No. 5 on the all-time list...Sweeper Matt Kemper (Sr., Colorado Springs, Co./Palmer) now has 64 consecutive starts. Others to start all five games this season are Rosten; defenders Drew Macha (Sr., Eugene, Or./Marist), Doug Whitney (Fr., Edmonds, Wa./Edmonds-Woodway) and Jordan Dettmer (So., Snohomish, Wa.); midfielders Kosco, Justin Abel (Sr., Snohomish, Wa.) and Jeff Coggan (So., San Jose, Ca./Valley Christian); and forwards Hallenbeck and James Coggan (Sr., San Jose, Ca./Valley Christian)...SPU has won eight of its last nine home games...The Falcons out-shot the Saints 11-3. It was the first such advantage in five games...The kickoff for the Oct. 6 home game with UC Colorado Springs has been moved to 12 noon.

Coaching Staff. Cliff McCrath is the Division II leader in career coaching victories. 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 30 NCAA playoff appearances, including berths in 19 of the last 23 years, and five national titles (1978, ‘83, ‘85, ‘86 and ‘93). His staff features three of his former players: Mark Collings, James Ward and Mark Metzger.

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.