Box Score

Two goals from senior Mihailo Jovanovic helped FPU take care of business against Menlo College on Tuesday night as the Sunbirds (3-4) defeated the visiting Oaks 3-0.

Jovanovic scored the first goal of the game in the 27th minute, tapping a cross from Gustavo Da Silva past the keeper for a 1-0 lead. The Sunbirds would then benefit from a Menlo red-card in the 39th minute, as the Oaks' Ian Craig went in for a hard tackle.

Playing a man down, the Oaks came out much better in the second half. In the first half, FPU had nearly all of the ball control, but the Oaks evened it out and got some good chances on goal.

Clinging to a 1-0 lead, the Sunbirds would get two goals in a two-minute span beginning in the 76th minute. It was Jovanovic again, similarly knocking in a cross directly from a teammate. This time it was Luke Tyler earning his first collegiate assist.

Freshman John Navarro would score his first goal just a minute later, after Shawn Grieco perfectly placed a ball for him. The keeper came out of the goal and Navarro beat him to the ball to gently drive it home.

It wasn't FPU's best performance, but the Sunbirds were fortunate to get two goals from Jovanovic, whose primary focus is normally defensive.

"We had opportunities to break them down and create opportunities on the flanks," said FPU coach Jaime Ramirez. "We're getting the opportunities but we need to work on finishing in the final third."

FPU held a 24-8 shot advantage and got 11 shots on goal. Menlo keeper Daniel Schwartz had a great day in goal, making eight saves and limiting the damage for the Oaks (0-5-1). 21 players saw action for the Sunbirds in the win.

Gildardo Villaruel and Steven Waite continue to split time in goal for the Sunbirds. Villaruel started the game and wasn't in on many plays as FPU held down the Menlo attack. Waite made four saves in the second half to seal the shutout.

FPU takes its 3-4 into GSAC play and will open up at Hope International (5-1) on Saturday. The Royals also played Menlo this season, winning 4-0 on the road. Ramirez feels good about where his team is at, but adds that GSAC play will be a big test for his young team.

"The GSAC teams are going to defend better, keep the ball more and give us less chances," said Ramirez. "I feel like we've gotten better. I like the guys in the back...I like our spirit...I like our attitude."