FRESNO, Calif. – The Sunbird Women's Soccer team couldn't have asked for much more in opening up GSAC play today, defeating #7 Point Loma Nazarene 2-1 in regulation play and extending their undefeated record. This is only the second time that the Sunbirds have ever defeated the Sea Lions, and the first time in the Programs history having beaten a nationally ranked opponent.
“I am so excited for these young ladies and the Program,” commended Sunbird Head Coach Erik Farfan. “We definitely felt going into this match today that we had prepared well and knew that we would have to compete at our highest level to get a result. Regardless of our opponents, it's all about playing to our potential which I felt we did today.”
That was evident as the Sunbirds started the game with a sense of determination and purpose outshooting the Sea Lions 9-6 after a closely played first half which ended 0-0.
Freshman Tori Alvarez opened the scoring with her 8th goal of the season in the 65th minute. Alvarez was able to sneak in at the far post receiving a beautifully played diagonal ball from Senior Julie Ramirez which Alvarez finished, blasting it off the bottom of the crossbar and in.
PLNU refused to go quietly and answered right back in the 70th minute on a counter attack. Seas Lion forward Melanie Starchuk was able to convert and beat Senior Goalkeeper Justine Caldera with a nicely placed ball into the top right hand corner of the Sunbird goal.
Not to be outdone, FPU again regained the lead just a few minutes later when Junior defender Dani Dickie converted an Ashley Sherr corner kick in the 73rd minute. Sherr had served the ball perfectly into the penalty area which caused PLNU goalkeeper Grace Lee to mishandle the ball, leaving it for Dickie who had positioned herself perfectly to finish the game winner.
“It was pretty exciting,” admitted Dickie. “This was definitely one of our biggest wins and a combined team effort.”
With the win, the Sunbirds improve to 5-0-2 (1-0) and will be back in action next Wednesday October 1st as they travel to face another nationally ranked opponent…#3 Azusa Pacific. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30PM.
