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Julian Mattaliano scored the game-winner for the second straight match giving Fresno Pacific a 1-0 home win over Westmont and improving the team to 6-2 in conference play. With the win, FPU clinched a home first-round GSAC playoff game and put themselves in position to win at least a share of the conference title if they can win at Concordia on Saturday.

Mattaliano found the net after 78 minutes of scoreless soccer from both sides. The play initially involved Bruno Pessoa passing to Paul Islas, but when Islas didn't have a clear shot he cut back to the outside, working his way past defenders before serving the ball into the box. Islas had drawn the attention of the Warriors' keeper enough that when his pass found Mattaliano on the other side of the field, it resulted in a point-blank shot.

That salvaged what was an otherwise off-night for the Sunbirds, who were playing without four starters due to either injury or yellow card accumulations. FPU had the clear advantage in scoring chances, taking 21 shots to Westmont's nine, but struggled to maintain possession. Pessoa created the most opportunities for FPU with four shots on goal, including a header that needed a team-save by a Westmont defender standing in goal.

The Warriors' best chance to score came in the second half when Emmanuel Ayken evaded multiple defenders and got a good shot at the goal. Steven Waite was there however to make a diving stop, one of his two saves on the night as he recorded the shutout.

Prior to the game, the Sunbirds honored the team's two seniors Michael Kuehter and Guilherme Machado. Machado was still out with an injury, but Kuehter gave the team valuable minutes off the bench.

Playing without three defensive regulars, as well as midfield facilitator Fabricio Nazare, the Sunbirds played with three in the back instead of four. Chris Young played well at center back, while Adrian Arias and Jordan Cardoza held the Warriors down on the outside.

Islas led the team with five shots, though none were on-goal. He did record his 11th assist of the season and has contributed to a goal in 14 of FPU's 15 games.

Earlier in the day the NAIA Top 25 rankings were released, with FPU placing just two spots out of the Top 25 in the receiving votes category. Concordia, FPU's next opponent, is ranked #8. The Eagles tied with #11 Azusa Pacific today, putting them just one point ahead of FPU and Vanguard, who are tied for second place in the conference.

FPU faces Concordia in Irvine on Saturday, if the Sunbirds win they could share or win the GSAC title depending on the outcome of Vanguard's game with Biola. Either way, the Sunbirds will be hosting a first-round playoff game, scheduled for Wednesday, November 2, with likely start-time of 7 pm.


GSAC Standings

Around the GSAC
Biola 2, The Masters (H) 0
Concordia 1, Azusa Pacific (H) 1 (2 OT)
Vanguard 3, San Diego Christian (H) 2