Box Score

A well-balanced attack and the most first-half goals since 2004 led to a big 8-1 win over Chaminade in Honolulu. 

Renato Bustamante and Jorge Chedraui each scored twice in the most lopsided win for FPU (8-3-1, 6-1 PacWest) since an 8-0 win over Holy Names last season. Gustavo Silva, Joey Belzil, Elijah Gallegos and Jonathan Venegas also scored.

Gallegos and Belzil turned in excellent performances starting for a short-handed Sunbird squad. Belzil totaled nine shots including five on goal and an assist to go along with the final goal for FPU.  
The Sunbirds wasted no time getting on the board in the first five minutes for the second time this season with a Bustamante fourth minute goal. Silva scored one minute later in the fifth to give FPU an early 2-0 lead.

"I thought our speed of play on the turf surface was really good," said Ramirez. "We created opportunities right away and made some really nice finishes."

Chedraui got in the scoring column next in the 23rd minute followed by Gallegos, Venegas and Bustamante, for a second time, before the end of the half. The six first-half goals were the most for an FPU squad since a seven goal first half against Menlo in 2004.

Out of the break the Sunbirds continued the pressure adding their seventh goal 1:25 into the second half on Chedraui's team-leading eighth goal of the season. Belzil added his goal in the 63rd minute.

The defense was outstanding throughout the match despite not having two of their top three center backs available. Junior Eddie Cabral filled in opposite Ivan Mirkovic and the two teamed up to allow just one shot in the first half. Andrew Luis got the start in goal and stopped five of the six shots on goal he faced.

"They didn't really have many advances that created difficulties for us," said Ramirez. "I could tell we were going to have a good match early on defensively and so we switched to a more offensive lineup. We got forward and created more opportunities while maintaining our level of play in the back."

Throughout the second half the Sunbirds played a number of reserve players and were still able to increase their lead, an encouraging sign to coach Ramirez.

"It was big for us to be able to play our reserves and still play a high level of soccer. Having that depth is going to be important through the rest of the season."

The loss drops Chaminade to 0-11 overall and 0-7 in conference. 

FPU will close out their four-game road trip with a showdown against BYU Hawaii in Laie on Saturday. Kick off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. local time in Hawaii.