Men's Soccer Livestats
Women's Soccer Livestats
Fresno Pacific begins its hunt for a PacWest championship this week, facing two of the league's soccer powers right off the bat. The Sunbird men & women take on defending conference champion California Baptist on Thursday, the first ever PacWest matches for the Sunbirds, before facing conference favorites Grand Canyon on Saturday.
The Sunbird men, returning 10 of 11 starters from last season's GSAC title team, are off to a hot start highlighted by a prolific offense that has totaled eight goals in three matches. After dropping the first match of the season while missing four starters, the Sunbirds proceeded to outscore their next two opponents by a combined score of 7-0. FPU is led by senior forward Paul Islas who has totaled 11 points on the year, scoring two goals and dishing out four assists.
On the women's side, FPU has played three hard fought matches highlighted by a double overtime tie at NCAA Division I CSU Bakersfield. The Sunbirds (0-2-1) are led by returning All-American midfielder Jae Slocum, who missed last game and is questionable to play this week following an injury. Defenders Colleen Rooney and Caressa Archie head up a strong FPU defense in front of junior goalie Sarah King, who's recorded 17 saves over her last two matches.
Here is a look at the upcoming PacWest match-ups:
California Baptist vs. Fresno Pacific - Thursday, Sept. 13
About CBU
Location: Riverside, CA
Nickname: Lancers
Colors: Blue & Gold
Enrollment: 5,700
Men's Match - 5:00 pm at Ramirez Field
All-Time Series vs. FPU: The Sunbirds have dominated the all-time series, going 28-7-1 in 36 meetings with the Lancers.
Last Meeting: The Lancers defeated FPU in 2-0 in 2010 in Fresno, holding Islas scoreless as the Sunbirds missed on numerous chances.
Rivalry Renewed: As the Sunbirds enter their first year in the PacWest, the same conference the Lancers took by storm just a season ago, a long history between the two schools will be revitalized as they compete for a conference championship once again. CBU is coming off a huge 2011 after being crowned co-champions in the PacWest and National Champions, winning the NCCAA postseason tournament. In the NCCAA national poll, CBU is currently ranked #2 while FPU one spot behind at #3. CBU has also been voted the preseason favorite in the PacWest, tied with Grand Canyon atop the voting. The Lancers enter with a 2-1-1 record on the year, with the only loss coming to then-#1 Fort Lewis 1-0. The Lancers are receiving votes in the national NCAA Division II poll.
Players to Watch: Preseason PacWest goalkeeper of the year, Joey Pacheco, heads a defense that has only given up two goals in four matches in 2012. After being named the goalkeeper of the year in 2011 and receiving 1st team all PacWest honors, there is no secret that defense in the name of the game for the Lancers. CBU also sports a key defender in Tyler Aagard on the preseason all-conference team. On the offensive side, preseason all-conference selections Alex Anderson (M) and Michael Salazar (F) are key names to focus on, while returner Marc Hope leads the team in goals with two.
Women's Match - 7:30 pm at Ramirez Field
All-Time Series vs. FPU: CBU is 10-2 vs. the Sunbirds
Last Meeting: Fresno Pacific upset the NAIA #11 Lancers 3-0 two seasons ago, as Nayeli Deniz recorded a hat-trick of three goals in the victory en route to being named NAIA national player of the week.
Rivalry Renewed: The defending PacWest champions and the preseason favorites are looking to avenge the 2010 loss to the Sunbirds as they return to Fresno this week. Following an 18-2-1 season in 2011, where the Lancers took home the NCCAA National Championship, CBU enters conference play with a 1-1-1 record. The Lancers are the preseason favorite in the PacWest, receiving 11 of the conference's 14 first-place votes.
Players to Watch: Despite losing its all-time leading goal scorer, Kylee Nicassio, CBU enters 2012 as an offensive threat with preseason conference player of the year Kimberly Allard heading an offense that has totaled five goals in three games. She was also named 1st team all-conference and freshman of the year in 2011. Alongside Allard, Bernadette Witz has been tabbed a preseason all-conference selection and has scored two goals this season. On the defensive side of the ball, CBU returns preseason all-conference defender Kristen Witchey (2011 1st-team selection) but lost goalie Nicoline Jorgensen who surrendered only 12 goals in 2011.
Grand Canyon vs. Fresno Pacific - Saturday, Sept. 15
About GCU
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Nickname: Antelope
Colors: Purple, Black & White
Enrollment: 44,000
Men's Match - 5:30 pm at Ramirez Field
All-Time Series vs. FPU: GCU is 4-2 vs. the Sunbirds
Last Meeting: The Lopes captured a 2-1 postseason victory in a back-and-forth thriller in 1992, Jaime Ramirez's first year as head coach.
About the 'Lopes: Grand Canyon has been chosen as a preseason favorite in the PacWest following a 13-4-1 season, receiving six first place votes and tying with Cal Baptist atop the preseason conference poll. As a perennial powerhouse in the conference, the 'Lopes (3-1) are currently ranked #8 nationally after stunning #1 Fort Lewis 3-2 in Phoenix. GCU then fell 2-1 to #2 Seattle Pacific.
Players to Watch: Senior forward Saeed Robinson (2011 1st-team selection and newcomer of the year) scored 16 goals last year and beat out Paul Islas for PacWest preseason player of the year consideration. He leads a group of 18 returners for the 'Lopes. Robinson has started the 2012 season with a bang, totaling seven points (3 goals, 1 assist) in four matches. He is joined on the offensive side of the ball by returner Yared Solscheid, a midfielder who has contributed with two assists on the year and was selected to the preseason all-conference team. GCU is led by senior defender Brian Green on the other side of the ball, another preseason all-conference selection.
Women's Match - 7:30 pm at Ramirez Field
All-Times Series vs. FPU: GCU is 0-1 vs. the Sunbirds
Last Meeting: The Sunbirds hosted the 'Lopes in 2004 resulting in a 2-1 victory, a match that actually featured FPU defender Dora Vega (Yanez) in her freshman season with the team.
About the 'Lopes: Grand Canyon has started the season with a 1-3 record after a tough non-conference slate, but still poses a threat as PacWest play starts this week. In the conference preseason poll, GCU was predicted to finish second behind California Baptist. The 'Lopes return 16 players from a team that went 8-2-2 in conference play last season, looking to improve upon the second place finish.
Players to Watch: Preseason all-conference selection Cierra Valdez (2011 1st-team selection) heads the defensive side of the ball for GCU, while fellow defenders Angelina Miraglio and Cheyenne Biehl rank among the best in the conference. On the offensive side, 2011 all-conference selection Jessica Scarpati and fellow forward Gabriella Zavala de Rojas are looking to replace the top goal scorer from last years squad, Marina Nesic.
