FRESNO, CA -- The Fresno Pacific men's soccer team knows what is in store for it this season -- a berth in the NAIA national championships.

The Sunbirds are hosting the tournament for the second straight season, and head coach Jaime Ramirez believes his team will be more of a force at the post-season event.

Fresno Pacific fans will get a an opportunity to see the Sunbirds in action on Friday and Saturday (Sept. 18-19) in games against Westminster of Utah (4:30 p.m. Friday) and Cal State San Marcos (4:30 p.m. Saturday).

Fresno Pacific is 1-1 after a 2-1 loss to Cal State Stanislaus and a 6-3 win over Menlo. Ramirez believes his team will improve after several players recover from injuries and his young players gain more experience.

"We're coming along just fine for as many injuries and new players we have," Ramirez said. "And as few core players as we have back.

"Our learning curve is high right now . With the young players we have I believe we can put together a better team than last year."

One key to this year's offensive attack is freshman Paul Islas, a top recruit from Fresno's Bullard High. "Paul adds an element we haven't had since Eddie Gutierrez -- speed on the flank," Ramirez said.

Among the key returnees are Gabriel Ramirez, #Nehemias Blanco#,  Mihailo Jovanovic, Andres Blano Jr., Eddie Gonzalez# and Tyler Muscianes.

Tim Nightingale, a two-year backup, will take over as goalkeeper.

The defense is ahead of the offense, Ramirez said, but he anticipates a better defensive showing when key injured players heal.

Ramirez said he hopes his team will peak by the middle of the Golden State Athletic Conference season and will be on a high when the national tournament arrives in Fresno on Nov. 30.

The Sunbirds lost in the tournament's opening round last year.

"We want to send a message to teams coming to the national tournament  that Fresno Pacific will be a different team that we were last year," Ramirez said.

The Sunbirds will host Holy Names on Sept. 22 and will begin GSAC play Sept. 26 at home against Hope International.