Fresno Pacific proved that going coast to coast was not an issue as they soared over the McMurry Warhawks 3-0 in the opening round of the NCCAA National Tournament.

Paul Islas' goal in the 36th minute tied Coach Ramirez for third on the all-time scoring list at FPU with 54 goals. Freshman Alvaro Nogales knocked in the first goal of the match on a rocket shot from outside the 18-yard box that beat keeper Neill O'Sullivan.

“I think we were in the same situation tonight as going into the regional with the 12-day layoff,” said head coach Jaime Ramirez. “It was just a matter of time for us to get the goal that we needed to get things going.”

After taking a 2-0 lead into the half the Sunbirds came out and quickly put the game on ice with a goal from Bruno Pessoa, his 11th of the season, on a cross from Guillermo Talancon in the 48th minute.

Fresno Pacific struggled to connect early on in the match missing simple touches and feeling the incredible pressure that McMurry was able to apply.

“I loved (McMurry's) energy. They had a lot of energy,” said Ramirez. “The referee let them play a little and there was a lot of contact from their energy.”

The Sunbirds got a header by Rodrigo Vianna that found the back of the net, but Vianna was flagged for being offside and the goal was disallowed.

The War Hawks were not without their chances getting a handful early on in the match. McMurry missed on a wide-open chance after goalkeeper Fabian Rangel was unable to beat the War Hawks to the ball.

Another chance presented itself late in the half when Desmond Williams had a one-on-one chance with Rangel. But the junior goalkeeper was able to parry it aside and keep MMU scoreless.

In the second half the Sunbirds dominated the run of play and had multiple chances at more goals but were able to just put the one in the back of the net.

The defense was once again stellar across the board limiting the War Hawks chances after the first 20 minutes of the match. Luke Tyler and Ivan Mirkovic in the back line were able to control the line and win balls consistently, which took a lot of pressure off of Rangel and eventually Steven Waite after the first barrage of attacks early on in the match.

Goalkeepers Rangel and Waite combined in goal for the shutout, the seventh scoreless effort for Fresno Pacific in their current 13-match winning streak.

“I think the result was just,” said Ramirez. “We were the better team on the pitch.”

FPU will play Palm Beach Atlantic tomorrow night at 7:30 pm EST. The #4 Sailfish prevailed in the final match of the opening round 3-0 over #5 Bethel College.