Monday, August 8, 2022

PORTLAND, Ore. – After returning to the postseason for the first time since 2015, Seattle Pacific finds itself among teams receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Division II Men’s Preseason Poll.

The Falcons finished its first season under head coach Kevin Sakuda, who assumed the job last August after six seasons as an assistant with the SPU women’s program, with a 12-4-2 overall record. They went 6-2-2 in conference play, finishing two points ahead of Simon Fraser for the conference title. Seattle Pacific led the GNAC in most statistical categories, including goals (37), assists (30), points (104), shots (255), goals allowed (19), goals against average (1.01) and corner kicks (121). The Falcons’ 6.72 corner kicks per game ranked fifth in Division II.

Seattle Pacific returns 13 overall players and six starters. Junior forward Judah Johnston finished with four goals and two assists while playing in all 18 matches. Senior Tyler Speer anchored the middle of the park, scoring one game-winning goal with five assists. Senior goalkeeper Lars Helleren finished with 19 goals against and 65 saves with a 1.03 goals against average while starting in all 18 matches.

The Falcons will look to replace the offensive performance of All-American forward Alex Mejia and midfielder Travis Swallow, who was a three-time First Team CoSIDA Academic All-American.

Seattle Pacific opens the preseason on Aug. 13, hosting Trinity Lutheran. The regular season begins on Aug. 25 when the Falcons host Chico State.