Box score
Sonoma, Cailf. – The #12 (NAIA) Fresno Pacific men's soccer team traveled to face a formidable #13 (NCAA DII) Sonoma State side that has had an impressive start to this season, going into the match with a 12-2-1 overall record. Although the Sunbirds were able to score first, the Seawolves equalized late in regulation, and pulled out a late game winner in the 2nd overtime period for the 2-1 result.
The first half was played to a scoreless draw. Sonoma State had the advantage in shots with 10 to Fresno Pacific's 2, and corners kicks with 5 to the Sunbirds 1.
The game came to life in the second half with the Sunbirds striking first in the 54th minute. FPU's #Daniel Spieth was able to receive a through pass from teammate Marcelo Molina#, which was played in behind the Seawolves' defensive line. Spieth ran onto the pass to beat Sonoma's goalkeeper Taylor Jones to the ball, and score his team high 10th goal of the season.
However, the Seawolves continued to pressure the Sunbirds, recording 11 shots in the second half and accumulating 5 more corners. Sonoma was finally rewarded for their persistence in the 86th when Cam Vickers found teammate Scott Preckwinkle on a corner kick, who scored the tying goal on a header that forced the match into overtime.
Sonoma State would create 6 more shots in the overtime periods, and eventually score the game winner in the 108th minute. Cam Vickers was involved once again, receiving a pass from teammate Andrew Bailey, and shooting to beat FPU goalkeeper #Brandon Cave# to decide the game.
Despite the loss, FPU head coach Jaime Ramirez was proud of his team for their efforts against a tough Sonoma State squad.
“It was a great game,” said Ramirez. “For us, it was probably our best performance away from home this year. The game was played at a high level, and I thought we worked very hard defensively and covered a lot of space.”
With the loss, the Sunbirds drop to 8-3-1 overall and will be back in action next Saturday, October 25th when they host Concordia University at Ramirez Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00PM.
