LACEY, Wash. - Two early goals for Brandon Madsen and an equalizer goal from Kyle Witzel in the second was not enough as the Saints fell 5-3 to GNAC opponent Seattle Pacific at home on Thursday.

Madsen started the high-scoring match off with a penalty goal kick in the 15th minute after a hand-ball was called in Seattle Pacific's (8-3-1, 4-2-1) box. Madsen struck again for the Saints (0-10-1, 0-5-1) less than two minutes later, on a cross from Cayman John found Madsen in the box for a header. Madsen increased his goal count to nine on the season, including four in the last two matches. In the Saints' three home matches this season. Madsen has scored five of the six goals. 

With the clock ticking down in its' final seconds, the Falcons were awarded a penalty kick with three seconds left on the clock. Gabe Kellum converted on the attempt for his fifth goal of the season and cut the Saints' lead to 2-1 before entering halftime.

At nearly the 50th minute mark, Seattle Pacific tied the match with a Gabriel Weber goal before eventually taking the 3-2 lead on a goal from Jacob Bohl, his first of the season. The Saints responded in the 65th minute off a free kick from Collin LaBranche that found Christian Caro in the box, who connected with Witzel. Witzel played the ball off his chest and struck from five yards out in the box to score his second goal of the season and tied the match at 3-3.

Seattle Pacific answered back in the 73rd minute with a goal from Jess Cayetano and sealed the victory with a goal in the 83rd minute.

"As a coach, you have to appreciate the ups and downs that a game brings," said head coach Rob Walker. "We were really on point to go up 2-0. The penalty before halftime changed the mood a little bit but didn't discount our effort in the first half. To score three goals against a very good SPU team is a step in the right direction. We will take further steps to get our first win at Concordia on Saturday."

Madsen led the Saints with five shots, three of which landed on target and two reached the back of the net. Cayman John recorded two shots and one assists with Sebastian Navarro and Kyle Witzel combined for four shots and Witzel's goal. 

Parker Elliot got the start at goalkeeper for the Saints, playing all 90 minutes and making five saves on 14 shots faced while allowing five goals.

The Saints travel to Portland, Oregon for a match against Concordia University on Saturday, October 14. First touch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.