Main Story

Simon Fraser enters the GNAC men’s soccer semifinals with conference Player of the Year Daniel Jackson leading the way. The third-seeded Red Leafs face No. 2 Seattle Pacific on the Falcons’ home field Thursday, seeking their first win against SPU this season and a place in Saturday’s championship game.

By the Numbers
  • Jackson has 8 goals and 4 assists in 16 matches.
  • SFU drew 1-1 with SPU and lost 3-1 in their regular-season meetings.
  • SFU has won 8 GNAC regular-season titles and made 2 NCAA Final Four appearances.
  • Seven of the team’s 8 newcomers have started at least 4 games.
Yes, But

Jackson’s league honors and SFU’s history offer momentum, but the Red Leafs haven’t beaten Seattle Pacific this season and must play at the Falcons’ venue. Coach Kevin Harmse also began his first season as head coach with 8 new players, though he says the team has grown more cohesive over time.

What’s Next

A win Thursday would send SFU to Saturday’s final against Western Oregon, with the GNAC champion earning a berth in the NCAA Division II men’s soccer championships.

Bottom Line

SFU’s path to the GNAC title runs through a familiar challenge: turn Jackson’s standout play and the team’s growing chemistry into a composed performance against the opponent that has had its number this season.