Box score
Fresno, Cailf. – The #12 ranked FPU men's soccer team continued their winning ways this afternoon by shutting out and defeating a feisty and fast Cal Baptist squad 3-0 at Ramirez Field. The Sunbirds relied on a second half hat trick by junior forward #Daniel Spieth#, and a record breaking shutout by senior goalkeeper #Brandon Cave#, to win the contest and improve to 8-2-1 overall (4-2-1 in the GSAC).
The first half was played evenly, with the Lancers having a slight edge in shots, recording nine to the Sunbirds six. Each team had some good looks at the goal, but neither could penetrate to score, leaving the game tied 0-0 at the half.
FPU was able to come out in the second half with more energy and purpose, creating a number of scoring opportunities. The breakthrough would finally come for the Sunbirds in the 59th minute when junior forward Daniel Spieth scored his 7th of the season. Spieth was able to convert an #Andres Rodriguez# cross, which was played across the mouth of the CBU goal, where Spieth was able to one touch it into the Lancer goal to give FPU a 1-0 lead.
Spieth would score his second of the day, and eighth of the season, a short time later in the 76th minute. This time the service came from teammate #Sebastian Villasenor# who received a back pass, and sent a diagnal ball first time, right to left and into space. Still on side, Spieth ran onto the ball to perfection, one-touched it past onrushing CBU goalkeeper Jeff Redinger with just enough pace to have it softly roll into the corner of the Lancer net.
The hat trick would be completed in the 87th minute when sophomore #Tyler Enns# laid the ball back to Spieth 18 yards out who didn't hesitate, striking a low line drive through traffic into the bottom left corner of the CBU goal. That would be his 3rd of the afternoon, and 9th of the season.
With the win, Sunbird goalkeeper Brandon Cave made history, recording his 22nd career shutout and breaking the previously set record.
“Hmm, I like…and want more,” laughed Cave when asked about his accomplishment. “Seriously, it's just an indication of the quality of team that I've been fortunate enough to have around me. Without my teammates, none of this would have happened. I owe every shutout to them.”
The Sunbirds will be back in action next Saturday, October 25th as they will host Concordia University at Ramirez Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00PM.
