Box Score

Fresno Pacific put up as good a fight as they have in years against perennial women's soccer power Azusa Pacific, but a 75th minute goal by APU's Natalie Sun would break a 1-1 tie and allow the Cougars to escape Fresno with a victory.

The Cougars (9-5, 8-2 PacWest) struck first just six minutes into the game on a penalty kick by Emily Wood. There didn't appear to be much contact but it was enough for the Azusa player to go down in the box, resulting in the penalty kick.

The Sunbirds (4-5-4, 4-3-3 PacWest) could have rolled over after falling behind so early against a tough opponent, but the team showed immediate determination in fighting back. Just seven minutes later, Demi Hamilton would deliver a brilliant goal for the Sunbirds, turning a pass from Amanda Hudec into a breakaway opportunity and blasting the shot past the APU keeper.

"Every time we step on the field against Azusa it's going to be a tough match," said head coach Erik Farfan. "I was really happy with the fact that after giving up that early penalty that we were able to respond the way we did. We tactically went out with the idea that we were going to absorb a lot of pressure from them and look for counterattack opportunities and set play opportunities which led to our equalizer."

Defensively the Sunbirds were in top form from that point, minimizing Cougar shots and getting great goalie play from Sarah King, who had seven saves on the night.

The Cougars were able to escape Ramirez Field with a win however after some excellent passing between Wood and Amanda Hardy sent the ball to Sun's feet for a great open look. FPU would have its chances in the closing minutes, earning a couple late corners, but the Cougar defense would hold strong.

"It was definitely a good game in terms of us progressing and building from where we've been," said defender Colleen Rooney. "We were pretty disciplined in our first half, we just have to work on some consistency. All in all I thought it was a good battle."

The Sunbirds host Academy of Art (4-9, 2-7 PacWest) this Saturday at 7:30 pm.