Box Score

Two first-half goals and a third just after halftime propelled the Sunbirds to a 3-0 non-conference win over Cal State San Marcos. Alavaro Nogales ended his longest scoring drought of the season with his first goal since October 5 against NDNU.

"The shutout win against this team is a good result for us," said head coach Jaime Ramirez. "When we get to play on our pitch it is wonderful and playing in front of our fans was big for our guys."

FPU got goals from Gustavo Silva, Renato Bustamante and Nogales in the convincing win. Bustamante's goal ties him with freshman Jorge Chedraui for the team lead in goals.

The Sunbirds wasted little time creating the first opportunity of the match in the 10th minute from Silva forcing an early save from keeper Mitchell Carter. The chances kept coming for the Sunbirds who finally broke through in the 18th minute on a rebound goal from Silva.

Seven minutes later FPU struck again on another rebound shot, this time from Bustamante on the deflection off of Carter.

"Taking on a team like San Marcos, who has traditionally been a very tough, very physical team, was a good test for us," said Ramirez. "The way they came out at the beginning, it was like a 100-meter dash. They just came out with a lot of pressure. I was pleased with how we were able to handle that pressure."

Nogales added to the lead in the 48th minute with a highlight reel finish off a pinpoint cross from Eric Velarde on the corner kick.

The Sunbirds got a solid effort in goal from sophomore Andrew Luis who made his first home start filling in for the injured Fabian Rangel. Luis and the FPU defense pitched their fourth shutout of the season. Luis finished with three saves.

"It was encouraging to see that in the absence of Fabian, Andrew was fantastic in goal. Andrew was ready to step in and not skip a beat," said Ramirez.

Fresno Pacific will resume conference action with a pivotal match against the PacWest's No. 1 team Azusa Pacific next Wednesday at Ramirez Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.