NAMPA - Tyler Schultz and Kyle Smurdon each netted a first-half goal as Seattle Pacific came away with a 2-0 win at Northwest Nazarene on Saturday at the NNU Soccer Field.

Seattle Pacific (9-2-2, 4-1-1) concluded its eight-game road journey with just one loss while the Crusaders fall to 5-8-1 overall and 0-7-0 in GNAC matches.

Schultz put the Falcons on the board in the 18th minute with a short header at the left post off a cross from Drew Williams.

The senior forward's league-leading ninth goal was set up by Williams' team-high fifth assist. Schultz is tied for the GNAC scoring lead with Carlo Basso of Simon Fraser.

Smurdon also scored from close-range, providing an insurance goal at 38:47. His six-yard strike came off Jon Pearman's pass from the left flank.

"Unfortunately we once again really struggled to generate any attack," commented NNU head coach Coe Michaelson.  "SPU showed why they are highly ranked and have one of the best defenses in the nation, and deservedly won.  But, just as they have been all year, our back four and goalkeepers did well."

Michaelson continued, "Regardless of our results, Stephen Marshall is one of the best defenders in our region, nevermind our conference, and he showed that again today."

"My number one hope is that we don't quit and keep fighting.  Hopefully we can find the back of the net a few times.  It's tough to win when you don't do that, no matter how well your defense performs."

Goalkeeper Zach Johnson made one save for SPU and Zander Engeman gave up both goals, stopping two shots before being replaced at halftime. His successor, Mitch Rice, was credited with three saves for NNU, which was outshot 10-3.