The NAIA's #12 ranked FPU men's soccer team started off on the right foot this Wednesday night at Ramirez field as they faced Biola University in a Golden State Athletic Conference contest. The Sunbirds were able to score early and never looked back as they went on to defeat the Eagles by a convincing score of 4-1.
A 4th minute goal by FPU's Daniel Spieth put the Sunbirds in control early on. Spieth had been played a ball in behind Biola's defensive line by teammate Fernando Ferrari and was able to volley the opening goal past Eagle's GK Tyler Higgins to record his 5th of the season. The Sunbirds would strike again in the 27th minute when Vitor Machado found a supporting Mihailo Jovanovic who buried a 25 yard left footed blast to make it 2-0 going into the halftime break.
The Sunbirds would open the second half as they started the match, scoring within the first five minutes of play. Freshman Guilherme Machado converted a Gabriel Ramirez corner, heading it past Higgins and into the back of the net. FPU's fourth and final goal came in the 58th minute when the Sunbirds caught the Eagles brilliantly on a counter attack. After saving an Eagle attempt at goal, Sunbird Senior GK Brandon Cave immediately initiated the play with a directly driven punt that found the feet of teammate Daniel Spieth. With pressure on his back, Spieth turned the ball beautifully to play Vitor Machado into space who had made a well-timed overlapping run down the left side of the field. With still some work to do, Machado beat the Eagle's defender 1v1 and slotted it passed a charging Higgins to make it 4-0.
Biola was able to get a handful of chances throughout the course of the game and recorded 17 shots to FPU's 19. The Eagles were able to finally convert what would amount to a consolation goal in the 67th minute. Biola's Jake Ravenscraft raced down the right side of the field and played an inviting ball across the six yard box which teammate Kennedy Chongo was able to be first to and covert for a one touch finish. Unfortunately for Biola, it was too little too late.
Sunbirds head coach Jaime Ramirez was pleased with his team's performance tonight against what he assesses to be a very youthful and intense Biola squad.
“I'm happy that we were able to score some goals and create a lot of chances tonight against a very solid and hearty Biola team,” Ramirez commended. “I'm pleased with our overall offensive effort and felt that we were able to create good rhythm and timing in our play. Right now…it's also good for us to get another result in the win column and build off that.”
With the win the Sunbirds improve to 6-1-1 overall (2-1-1 GSAC) and will be back in action this Saturday October 11th as they travel to face San Diego Christian College. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00PM.
