NAMPA, Idaho – The Northwest Nazarene men's soccer team lost 1-0 to Seattle Pacific on Saturday in the final Great Northwest Athletic Conference match of the season for both teams.

The Falcons scored on a penalty kick in the 48th minute after a handball was called in the box.

"It was two teams that definitely looked a little worn out from a tough GNAC season," NNU coach Adam Pearce said. "It was a fairly even match. I was really proud of how we approached the game. A lot of guys had to make some adjustments because of injuries, but everybody was committed and stuck to the game plan and gave the effort you'd expect from a team with championship aspirations."

It was the final game for seniors Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz and Eduardo Banuelos.

Rodriguez-Diaz played for the Nighthawks (7-11 overall, 3-9 GNAC) for four years, while Banuelos was here the last two.

"There were plenty of ups and downs of course, but I wouldn't change it for the world," Banuelos said. "These players really bonded together and came together as a team. Even though it didn't show in the record, this team did a lot and this is a step forward in what this program has to offer and what this program has in the future."

For Rodriguez-Diaz, his senior season didn't end with as many wins as he hoped, but it did leave him with a rediscovered spirit for the game.

"I had kind of lost the love for the game last year and I was able to gain it back this year through competitive trainings and battling with my teammates," he said. "Every training we were competing, so it's nice to go out my last year competing and having a bond with everyone."

The 2019 season was certainly a roller coaster, but Pearce seems to have things moving in the right direction.

The Nighthawks won the same amount of conference games as last season, but had four more wins overall. And with just two players graduating, the cupboard is stocked with athletes who know Pearce's system.

"I couldn't be happier for Carlos and Eddie," Pearce said. "I've had the opportunity to be their coach for a season and had a chance to work with them and find out what great people they are. I think they have really changed and developed themselves as footballers and I'm proud to be associated with them.

"I think they will be good representatives of our program and our university moving forward."