Box Score
Azusa, CA - The Simon Fraser University men's soccer team suffered their first loss of the 2014 season, falling 2-1 to the Azusa Pacific Cougars on the road.

It was a highly competitive battle between two top NCAA Division II programs, and one the Clan will look to learn from moving forward to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference season.

"APU are always a tough team to play against," said Head Coach Alan Koch. "They are one of the top teams in our region and it showed tonight. It was a good battle between two quality teams but unfortunately we were not able to take care of business."

The game got off to a quick start as the Cougars opened the scoring in the fourth minute of play as Luke Ackerman was able to put home a rebound from 10-yards out.

As they so often do, the Clan reacted quickly under pressure, tying the game 1-1 in the eighth minute as Jovan Blagojevic was able to put is head on a Robert Hyams free-kick.

The score would stand through the remainder of the half, but not without effort from both sides with SFU putting out six shots in the first 45 minutes and APU with eight.

In the second half the back and forth play continued as both teams struggled to find the go-ahead goal.

The Cougars would have six more shots in the second half, forcing Clan goalkeeper Brandon Watson (Victoria, BC) to make four saves during the match.

Near the end of the second half APU was able to gain momentum following three consecutive Clan fouls, and C. Garcia-Partida was able to score from range to give the home team the 2-1 advantage.

SFU had several attempts following the 2-1 goal, but were ultimately unable to capitalize.

With the loss, the Clan fall to 2-1 in non-conference play.

"We need to make sure that we have an excellent week of training before we travel to Bellingham next weekend as Western Washington is always a difficult opponent" finished Koch.

The Clan hit the pitch next on September 20 where they open their GNAC schedule against the WWU Vikings.

Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m.