HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team was on the losing end of a 3-0 score on Saturday night against Seattle Pacific, the No. 5 ranked team in the nation. 

The Falcons (4-0-0), who have not allowed a goal this season, out-shot the Pioneers 12-to-8 on an otherwise pleasant night in the Hayward hills.

"SPU is a successful team, and they get a lot of numbers behind the ball," said head coach Andy Cumbo. "Unfortunately we conceded early and that made the game more challenging."

SPU led nearly the entire contest thanks a goal in the eighth minute that came off a header from a corner kick. The visitors took a deflected ball and got it past the defense for a second goal before halftime, doubling their lead. 

East Bay did manage five shots against a stout SPU defense in the second half, but they weren't able to cut into the lead. The Falcons then tacked on a third goal off a rebound with eight minutes left.

"It was a sloppy game with a lot of stoppages," Cumbo noted. "We had some good moments and I thought Jake Foscalina had a good performance on the wing, but overall we had a difficult time getting in behind their defense and creating good chances."

"We have learned a lot in the past two weeks, and we're excited to open up conference play next week," added Cumbo. 

Next up, the Pioneers open their California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) schedule at home against Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday, Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m.