FRESNO, Calif. — In a scorching mid-week game, Fresno Pacific men's soccer cruised past NAIA opponent Pacific Union 8-0 on Wednesday. After a scoreless first half, the Sunbirds scored all eight goals in the second half with five different Sunbirds getting on the board.
The 'Birds controlled the opening half from start to finish, generating a 15-1 shot advantage and taking all four corner kicks. Fresno Pacific consistently tested the Pacific Union defense, forcing five saves, including three from
Bryan Lopez. On the opposite end,
Sebastian Aguilar stopped the Pioneers' lone shot to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
The breakthrough came quickly in the second half, and once the 'Birds found the back of the net, they never looked back. Fresno Pacific poured on eight goals while continuing to apply pressure throughout the half.
Noah Naranjo led the offensive explosion with the first hat trick of his career, adding an assist for a four-point performance. He scored back to back goals at 47:59 and 55:44. His hat trick marked the first for Fresno Pacific men's soccer since November 2016.
Preston Larger also found the net twice while adding an assist, while
Zion Vaughn scored his sixth goal of the season.
Bryan Lopez and
Cole Keeslar each added a goal and an assist in the victory.
The 'Birds held Pacific Union to just one listed shot in the second half while continuing to generate opportunities on the attacking end, completing the 8-0 shutout.
Although the result counts toward Fresno Pacific's overall record, statistics from the match will not count toward conference or postseason statistics because Pacific Union competes at the NAIA level.
NEXT UP: The 'Birds are back at home on Saturday for their late night matchup against Concordia University Irvine at 7pm!
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