The Sunbirds (2-11) wrapped up the Lancer Invitational in Riverside today, coming from behind to edge out La Verne 7-6. Later in the day, FPU traveled to Malibu, where they suffered a 21-4 loss to No. 9 Pepperdine.
Fresno Pacific trailed La Verne through the first half before they tied in the third quarter and went ahead in the fourth to gain their second victory of the season.
The Sunbirds went down 3-1 in the first quarter, Sascha Ludwig scoring the lone goal. FPU added two goals from Raymond Eggert and Olly Gibb in the second, going into halftime down 4-3.
The second half saw the Sunbirds claw back to a much-needed victory. Another goal from Ludwig tied the score at 4 in the third quarter. In the fourth, the Sunbirds went up early with Ludwig's third goal, only to have the Leopards tie it again at 5. When Eggert scored, La Verne responded again, tying the game at 6.
Finally, with 1:18 left in the game, Brad Babcock put in the game's final goal, sealing a 7-6 victory for the Sunbirds. Riley Warner had nine saves.
Fresno Pacific's offense struggled later in a fast physical game against No. 9 Pepperdine. Goals from Evan Baird, Trevor Kolb, Glenn Lyon, and Ian Roos weren't enough, as the Waves cruised to a 21-4 victory.
Coach Bryan Suhovy was proud of his team's determination on the day, both in the come behind victory and the tough game against one of the nation's top teams.
“The guys battled back. It was a great mental victory,” he said of the La Verne game.
FPU hosts Merced College next Saturday at 10 am at Sunnyside High School.
