Box Score

The Sunbirds nearly prevailed when they went toe-to-toe with Division I San Jose State on Friday night at Spartan Stadium, proving that even on the road they can play with top competition.

FPU would settle for a 1-1 2OT draw after a free kick by Alvaro Nogales brought the Sunbirds back from a 1-0 first-half deficit.

The Sunbirds (1-1-1) never faltered despite giving up an unlucky goal off a rebound in the 20th minute and facing a very physical Spartan (0-3-1) team.

"It was outstanding," said head coach Jaime Ramirez. "It was wonderful to see the work that we have put together thus far is paying off. Especially against a Division I team."

After the early goal the Sunbirds turned up the pressure putting together chance after chance against a large SJSU defensive backline. The physicality of the game was apparent from the start as San Joe State came in hard on tackle after tackle and tried to impose their will on the much smaller Sunbird lineup.

"The physicality of the game was something we were able to withstand quite well," said Ramirez. "Because of that I am even more pleased."

FPU was not without their chances in the first half, Alexis Hernandez sent a laser of a shot off the right post in the first half, a chance that would have given the Sunbirds lead. 

After the half the offense continued to have chances, but struggled in connecting in the final third as they continue to adjust to new pieces in the midfield and at forward.

FPU needed a break to go there way, and in the 57th minute the left foot of Nogales delivered. After a foul along the right side of the box the sophomore forward took advantage of a smaller defender in the barrier and rocketed the shot just past keeper Emmanuel Espinosa.

"I was going to cross actually," said Nogales. "But I saw one of the defenders change in the barrier and when I saw that I thought I can just rip it and score a goal."

San Jose State continued their aggressive play ultimately leading to the ejection of Uriel Ayala in the final minute of regulation.

The physical play of SJSU was not without its casualties. Eric Velarde and Nogales went down with injuries in regulation, Nogales would not return in the overtime.

Senior midfielder Gustavo Silva nearly gave the Sunbirds the lead in the 79th minute when he chipped a shot over Espinosa only to have it turned away by defender Dylan West who cleared the shot over the back of the net and averted the crisis.

In the extra time Silva had another golden opportunity to close out a shocking road win. Silva was one-on-one with Espinosa and ripped a shot toward goal. Espinosa stopped the shot with his head, but was forced to leave the match with a concussion.

A number of other chances presented themselves for both sides, but neither team was able to capitalize on the opportunities. The most serious for the Spartans coming in the 103rd minute when Bryan Ruiz-Unger ripped a shot off the crossbar and the rebound was eventually cleared by the Sunbirds.

"We had the better of the play when it came to scoring opportunities," said Ramirez. "Against a Division I opponent with some very talented players, makes it that much more impressive."

Fresno Pacific will open conference play at home Tuesday when they face Dixie State. The Red Storm were the only PacWest team FPU did not face in 2012.