Oct. 6, 2003

Box Score

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University and Seattle Pacific University each scored first-half goals as the two schools played to a 1-1 tie in overtime in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference men's soccer game Monday at Civic Stadium.

Western, 7-5-2 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play, ran its unbeaten string to eight games despite having a seven-game winning streak end. Seattle Pacific is 4-4-2 overall and 1-0-1 in the GNAC.

Andy Willis opened the scoring for Seattle Pacific in the ninth minute. Michael Brkich backheeled a cross from Manfredo Rendon, setting up Willis for a tap-in from the goalmouth. Western tied the game two minutes before halftime, Ryan Hopp (Jr., Marysville/Pilchuck-Marysville) heading home a cross from Dan Macaya (Fr., Camas).

"We didn't come out with the same vigor we have in the last few games, and in the first half they outworked us," said Western coach Travis Connell. "We came out in the second half with a vengeance and created chances, we just couldn't finish. Still, we proved they'll have their hands full when we play them again."

Each team had good chances late in regulation. In the 80th minute, the Vikings had three shots in a 30-second span, the final one an Eric Blatt (Sr., Spokane/Ferris) effort saved by Seattle Pacific goalkeeper James Ward. Then with 30 seconds left in the second half, Nick Letts of the Falcons got free 12 yards out, but Western goalkeeper Ben Dragavon (So., Monroe) made a diving save.

Western nearly won the game in the 108th minute. Blatt's shot from the middle of the penalty area was saved by Ward, and Hopp's effort on the rebound went over the crossbar.

The Vikings played overtime and the final seven minutes of regulation a man short, as Kory Pope (So., Everett/Jackson) was redcarded after a skirmish near midfield, but still had a 17-13 edge in shots. Ward had five saves for Seattle Pacific, and Dragavon made seven for Western.

Western, which had a tie and 21 losses in its first 22 meetings with Seattle Pacific, is now unbeaten in the last four battles, notching two ties and two victories.

Western does not play again until Oct. 20 when it travels to Simon Fraser University.