LACEY, Wash. - Brandon Madsen added two more goals to increase his season total of 11 to tie the school record for most goals in a season and help power the Saints past the Vikings in a 3-2 victory at home.

The Vikings (6-4-3, 5-2-1) applied the offensive pressure early and often against the Saints (1-11-1, 1-6-1), recording seven shots and two corner kicks compared to SMU's one shot in the first 25 minutes. Western Washington caught their first break of the match when a foul was called to Saint Martin's in the box, granting Anthony Dean, who was tied with Madsen with most goals scored in conference, a penalty kick. Dean converted on the opportunity to give his Vikings a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute. 

However, it did not take long for the Saints to respond. In less than one minute after the PK goal, Sebastian Navarro worked the ball through multiple defenders down the near side, to set up a cross and find the right foot of Kyle Witzel, 10 yards out, who capitalized by putting the ball inside the near post to tie the match at 1-1. Witzel's goal was his third of the season and his 26th of the his career. The Saints looked to gain the lead before going into halftime with a corner kick in 34th minute and shots from Witzel and Navarro that were blocked or missed wide. The score remained locked at 1-1 after the first half.

Navarro led the Saints out of halftime with two shots, including a shot on goal in the 54th minute, along with a corner kick before SMU got their own break in the 57th minute. A foul was called on the Vikings in the box, bringing Brandon Madsen up with a PK attempt. Madsen went to the left of the keeper; however, his shot was blocked but bounced back to Madsen, who remained composed and lofted the ball over the keeper for his 10th goal the season and a 2-1 SMU lead.

Western Washington equalized the match in the 75th minute when cross found Luke Olney, 10 yards out in the middle of the box for his third goal of the season. The Vikings continued the pressure, looking to steal three points on the road, with two corners and one shot in the following minutes after the goal. The Saints broke the pressure and pushed the ball down the pitch, forcing a corner in the 78th minute. Navarro's cross connected with Madsen's header to put the Saints up 3-2. Madsen tied his teammate Kyle Witzel's single-season goal record (11), which Witzel set last season. 

The Vikings attempted to once again equalize the match, and made multiple attempts on goal, including Dean's shot in the 89th minute that bounced off the crossbar. Griffin Small and Tim Teipel's defense held strong in the closing minutes to secure the 3-2 victory over Western Washington.

"Today, we were tuned into the game and the boys' hard work and positive spirit really came forward," said head coach Rob Walker. "We have put our time in on the field, in the weight room and studying film. We were really good today in so many positions defensively: both down our spine and on the flanks.  Credit the Vikings for doing a good job of pressing with their front and midfield players and in their approach in attack. We have worked hard to address some issues and there was a real reward for us today. We are just so proud of the guys' effort and execution."

Navarro led the Saints with four shots and two assists, while Madsen and Witzel combined for six shots, five on goal and three goals. McKray Kohn attempted one shot, which fell on target and assisted on Madsen's game-winning goal. Alexis Lopez and Cayman John each managed one shot. 

Griffin Small played all 90 minutes, recorded six saves on 20 shots faced, while allowing two goals to earn his first victory of the season.

The Saints will host nationally-ranked Simon Fraser on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Live stats and video will be available on smusaints.com.