Box Score

A break from the conference schedule ended up halting the Sunbirds unbeaten streak as FPU fell to former GSAC rival Westmont 2-1 in Santa Barbara.

The injury bug was once again a factor for the Sunbirds who were without two of their top three defenders and a third, Adrian Arias, went down in the first half. FPU also played most of the match without sophomore Alvaro Nogales who is still rehabbing from an injury. Renato Bustamante scored his second goal of the season in the 79th minute as FPU tried to mount a comeback.

The pressure came early from the Warriors who struck in the sixth minute scoring on a feed up the middle that deflected off the Sunbirds defense and gave Cody Howan a one-on-one against sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Luis who started in place of Fabian Rangel.

"They are a very hard working team," said head coach Jaime Ramirez. "They got a break on the play and were able to take advantage of us."

An inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities kept the Sunbirds off the board in the first half. Eric Velarde had a great chance in the 23rd minute, but his header deflected off the crossbar and out of harms way for the Warriors.

The Sunbirds continued to apply offensive pressure throughout the half, but could not break through.

Out of the break FPU brought the sense of urgency that comes with being down 1-0 on the road. The Sunbirds dominated the possession and created a number of scoring chances as they stayed predominantly in the Warriors half of the field.

Westmont added another goal in the 76th minute by Austin Lack on the counter attack to give the Warriors an insurance goal and a 2-0 lead. Moments later Bustamante pulled the Sunbirds back into the game, but a flurry of chances at the end never materialized for FPU.

"We had our opportunities at the end," said Ramirez. "We just could not finish our chances at the end."

An important test awaits on Tuesday as the Sunbirds play host to rival California Baptist at Ramirez Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. The Lancers are 1-2-1 this season after a 2-0 win over Holy Names.