Lacy, WA – In their first match of the 2024 season, the Simon Fraser University (SFU) men's soccer team played to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Westmont College on neutral ground at Saint Martin's University. This matchup rekindled an old rivalry from the days when both teams competed in the NAIA.

SFU took an early lead in the second half when Justus Meier found the back of the net with an acrobatic volley converting a beautifully placed set piece delivery from Michael Hennessy. However, Westmont fought back in the second half, equalizing from the penalty spot.

SFU head coach Clint Schneider was full of praise for his squad after the game. "I'm very proud of my guys fighting until the very end. I thought the group as a whole dealt really well with the conditions and found ways to find success against a very good Westmont team. Very proud of the new players in the team who got their first official appearance with SFU. Alexandre, Kundalini, Justin, Kian, Brandon, Tristan, Mario, and Jordan all put in a shift in their first official game at SFU. I am very excited about this group; I have a picture of what we will look like as the season goes, and the group has all kinds of potential."

Despite the shared points, the energy and determination shown by SFU in their season opener sets the tone for what looks to be a promising season.

SFU will continue their early-season campaign on Saturday with a match against Cal State Stanislaus at 11:30 a.m., once again at Saint Martin's University.