ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH: Seattle University left Wednesday for Thursday's match at Denver University, originally scheduled for Oct. 30 but postponed due to snow. The team will return Friday and prepare for the conference and home finale against Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday. Two victories will put SeattleU in the upper half of the conference standings, an accomplishment for a squad picked sixth in the preseason poll and coming off a tough non-conference season.
THE AIR FORCE MATCH: Ian Walsh scored with less than two minutes remaining in the second overtime to give Seattle University a 2-1 victory over Air Force last Sunday at the Starfire Soccer Complex in Tukwila, Wash. Kevin Cook sent a pass from the right side into the middle of the field, and Walsh blasted a shot over the Falcon goalie's head that dropped into the net. After Air Force earned some early chances in the first half, SeattleU took control of the action, putting five shots on goal in an 11-minute span. The fifth one came as a result of a corner kick, as Sean Morris directed a short kick to Elliot Richards, who served the ball into the box. John Pegg got his head on the ball and sent it on net, eluding Mauro and trickling over the goal line for his first career collegiate goal. Air Force scored late in the second half to tie the match. Seattle University had a couple of chances to end the match in regulation, but a shot by Pegg hit the post with less than two minutes remaining, and another shot by Brandon Hamer smacked the crossbar with less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation.
SENIOR MOMENTS: Sunday will be Senior Day at Championship Field, as the seniors will be playing the final home match of their collegiate careers. After redshirting in 2005, Ian Walsh has appeared in 59 matches, including 28 starts, over the past four seasons. He has scored the game-winning goal in SeattleU's conference victories over UNLV and Air Force. Derek Rogalsky has started 18 of the 25 matches he has appeared in during his time at Seattle University. Rogalsky has been a major part of the SeattleU defense over the past two seasons. Like Rogalsky, Wesley VanHooser and Max Walker are redshirt juniors who have another year of eligibility left, but may take part in the Senior Day ceremonies. VanHooser has four goals in 41 matches played for SeattleU, while Walker has been affected by injuries throughout his collegiate career.
SCOUTING DENVER: The Pioneers come into Thursday night's match with a 3-9-3 overall record, including an 0-4-1 record in conference play that currently has them in last place in the league. Alex Tarnoczi is the team's leading goal scorer with six goals, followed closely by Jarod Stigall with five goals. Collin Audley and Matt Kirby have each tallied three assists to lead Denver. Joe Willis has appeared in every match in net for the Pioneers, posting a 1.64 goals against average, a .722 save percentage, and two shutouts.
SCOUTING CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD: The Roadrunners enter Sunday's match with an 8-6-2 record, including a 3-3 record in conference play. Robbie Gouk leads the way for Cal State Bakersfield with six goals and 13 total points, with Evan Fassler contributing five goals. Jesus Sanchez is the team leader in assists with six helpers. Eric Shannon has played in every match as the Roadrunners' goalie, posting a 1.42 goals against average, a .718 save percentage, and five shutouts.