Box Score

Freshman forward Gustavo Da Silva scored two second-half goals to lead Fresno Pacific (6-4, 3-0) past visiting Concordia (6-3, 1-1) on Saturday. The 2-0 victory was the Sunbirds' fifth in a row as the young team appears to be coming together after being 1-4 just two weeks ago.

"I feel like there's an understanding now of roles and responsibilities,” said head coach Jaime Ramirez. “Now comes the continued effort to make things more consistent and minimize the reoccurring mistakes."

The Sunbirds now sit atop the early GSAC standings at 3-0 and have put themselves in a position that should make the rest of the conference take notice.

"I think it sends a message to the conference that we're getting better,” said Ramirez. “Because they know we struggled in the beginning and probably haven't been taking us very seriously. But now we're gathering momentum."

Da Silva broke a scoreless tie in the 55th minute, getting a great first touch on the ball in the box after a cross by Shawn Grieco. To that point the Sunbirds had gotten many good looks but had been unable to capitalize.

FPU's defense remained very strong after the goal, frustrating Concordia's playmakers all day. Though CUI got 14 shots off, they didn't translate to scoring opportunities. Luke Tyler, Chris Young, Julian Mattaliano and Jorge Dominguez each made plays that nullified CUI opportunities. The Eagles had four shots on goal, all saved by Gildardo Villaruel.

“As a whole they have a good attitude, good personality and good toughness,” said Ramirez of his defense's increased effort in the last few matches. “I love their effort...love their organization. They're starting to understand how to play together and support each other."

FPU also got a big boost from its bench, as Michael Kuehter and Fino Ucelo came off the sidelines and played with intense energy. The team's overall fitness, much like last game, appeared to give them an edge over the Eagles. As the game wore on the Sunbirds had more and more of the ball control.

In the 86th minute, Paul Islas broke away from the defense and looked to have a sure-goal, but was clipped by CUI's Jeff Coulter and brought down in the box, resulting in a red card. Islas hadt come off and Da Silva took the penalty kick, sending it into the left side of the net.

Da Silva now has five goals on the season, tying him for the team lead with Islas.

“I think he's coming along well,” said Ramirez of the freshman from Brazil. “I think he has the potential to score every game. He can run and his first touch is very very good. He's a multi-faceted player who can do some special things."

Da Silva will hopefully have his partner up-top, Islas, healthy next week as FPU will get its toughest test of the conference schedule thus far when they host #7 Cal Baptist (9-1, 3-0) next Saturday at 2:30 pm.