Second Half Efforts Not Enough, Redhawks Fall to Air Force 2-1

Despite tallying 20 shots in the game, the Seattle University men's soccer team was unable to earn the offensive advantage over the Air Force Academy Friday afternoon at Championship Field. The Redhawks were edged 2-1 by the Falcons, after battling back in the second half to tie the game 1-1. With the loss, SU falls to 4-9-3 overall, 2-5-1 MPSF, while AFA improves to 7-9 overall, 5-3 MPSF.

"I am disappointed because we had chances to win," said head coach Brad Agoos. "This season we have given up some goals, have been a little too easy to score on and haven't taken our chances. We put ourselves in a position to win and we didn't do good enough job defensively and that's what happens."

The Redhawk offense outshot the Falcons 20-15, with both sides tallying four shots on frame in the contest. In the first half, SU had 13 shots, but were unable to find solid scoring opportunity. Conversely, Air Force made their seven first period shots count by getting a 1-0 advantage in the 38th minute off a Conor Henry goal. Henry received a cross from Kevin Durr and shot the ball in to the left side past the diving Redhawk goalkeeper Jake Feener (Rocklin, Calif.)

In the second half, Seattle U played much more up tempo and maintained possession of the ball to open the final period of regulation. They were much more in sync and were able to control the ball in the Air Force half of the field. In the 56th minute Bobby Segal (Portland, Ore.), who was making his first start of the season, won the ball near the midfield. He found freshman Brady Ballew (Marysville, Wash.), who dribbled the ball up and slammed in the equalizing goal from 20 yards out.

After conceding the tying goal, the Falcons became much more aggressive and pushed the ball into the Redhawk half of the field. The SU backline, who had played composed for much of the game, had a momentary lapse giving Air Force an offensive opportunity. AFA's Zane Dydasco received the ball near the goal line and crossed it to Ben Chavez. Chavez was able to put a touch on the ball and shoot in the game-winner to the far post in the 77th minute.

Following the Falcon's go ahead goal, SU worked to try to push the ball into the Air Force box, but were unable to put together any serious scoring chances to send the game into extra minutes.

Seattle U will look to bounce back on Sunday, Oct. 31, when they host Denver. The game will mark SU's final home game of the season and their annual Senior Day celebration. First kick is set for 1:30 p.m.