NAMPA, Idaho | Northwest Nazarene University will open Great Northwest Athletic Conference play Thursday, Sept. 24, when the Nighthawks host No. 11 Seattle Pacific University at NNU Soccer & LAX Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. Mountain Time. The matchup brings one of the nation’s ranked Division II men’s soccer programs to Nampa for the conference opener.
NNU Enters Conference Play on a Winning Streak
NNU comes into the matchup at 4-1-3 overall after earning back-to-back wins on its final road trip before conference play.
The Nighthawks defeated West Texas A&M, 1-0, on Sept. 17 before shutting out St. Mary’s, 2-0, on Sept. 19 in Salem, Oregon.
Jim Wagenaar scored NNU’s opening goal against St. Mary’s, while an own goal late in the second half provided the second score. Goalkeeper Elijah Brockl recorded his second straight shutout.
The two-game winning streak gives NNU momentum heading into its first GNAC matchup of the season.
No. 11 Seattle Pacific Brings 7-1 Record
Seattle Pacific enters Thursday’s match ranked No. 11 nationally and carrying a 7-1 record.
The Falcons most recently defeated St. Edward’s, 3-1, on Sept. 18 in Texas. Lucas Witthauer scored twice in the victory, while Harper Sabari added another goal.
Seattle Pacific has also posted wins over nationally ranked opponents earlier this season, including No. 5 Stanislaus State and No. 4 Point Loma, according to the Falcons’ 2026 schedule.
Conference Play Begins in Nampa
Thursday’s match marks the beginning of GNAC competition for both programs.
NNU’s schedule lists Seattle Pacific as its first conference opponent, followed by another home matchup against the University of Jamestown on Sept. 26.
Seattle Pacific’s schedule also identifies the Nampa matchup as its GNAC opener. The Falcons are scheduled to return home after Thursday’s game before facing Simon Fraser on Oct. 1.
A Key Early-Season Test
The matchup gives NNU an opportunity to face a nationally ranked opponent at home as the conference portion of its schedule gets underway.
For Seattle Pacific, the game continues an early-season stretch against strong competition after its 7-1 start.
NNU’s recent defensive form will also be worth watching. The Nighthawks have allowed just one goal across their two most recent victories and have recorded consecutive shutouts.
What to Know
The NNU and Seattle Pacific men’s soccer teams meet Thursday, Sept. 24, at 4 p.m. MT at NNU Soccer & LAX Field in Nampa, Idaho. NNU enters at 4-1-3, while No. 11 Seattle Pacific enters at 7-1