POMONA, Calif. – Fresno Pacific dropped a non-conference match to #8 Cal Poly Pomona 2-0 Tuesday night at Kellogg Field. A depleted Sunbird squad fought hard against the undefeated Broncos, but were done in by a goal in the 32nd minute that proved to be the game-winner.
 
FPU falls to 8-3 overall following the loss, while CPP improves to 12-0-1 overall.
 
The Sunbirds struggled offensively on the night and were held scoreless for the first time this season. FPU had scored at least one goal in 20 consecutive games, which dated back to Oct. 19 of last season, and entered the night ranked eighth nationally in scoring offense at 2.80 goals per game.
 
CPP countered with the nation's top defense, however, and lived up to its ranking with its ninth clean sheet of the season that marks a program record. The Broncos held a 0.33 goals against average entering the match and strengthened their hold on the top spot.
 
FPU was out-shot on the night 14-5, which included a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal by the Broncos.
 
"The match was very a entertaining game against teams that have similar styles," said head coach Jaime Ramirez. "Cal Poly Pomona is the standard of the West right now. They are a very defensive team that was well-organized and very possession oriented. They are very solid all the way through. We had opportunities throughout the match, but just couldn't find the back of the net. We learned tonight that we are right there in the West, especially when everyone is healthy."
 
Alvaro Nogales created an opportunity offensively for FPU in the 35th minute, but CPP came away with a team save on a left-footed shot from the junior. Thiago Novis recorded the Sunbirds' final shot on goal late in the game, which was saved by the Broncos goalkeeper.
 
FPU nearly found the equalizer on a header from Eddie Cabral in the 79th minute, but it sailed wide left.
 
Andrew Luis played well in the loss and recorded three saves, while Brandon Gettman entered in the 74th minute and made one block.
 
"We lost the possession and turned the ball over too many times in the midfield and it cost us," said Ramirez. "The play of the game was brilliant, but we gave them the ball in attacking spots. We were pressing to get the equalizer but allowed opportunities on the counter attack by turning the ball over."
 
Kris Korich led the Broncos with his first two scores of the season. After finding the back of the net in the 32nd minute, he put the game away in the 82nd minute with goal number two.
 
The Sunbirds were without all-conference midfielders Renato Bustamante and Eric Velarde in the loss.
 
"We are right where we need to be in our goal to win the PacWest and our focus will turn back to that goal," said Ramirez. "Tonight was a learning and teaching experience, especially for the guys that had an opportunity to play off the bench in a game of this caliber. I enjoyed how the guys responded in the way they did. We found areas, like ball possession, where we need to improve moving forward."
 
FPU jumps back into PacWest play next Tuesday, Oct. 21 against California Baptist in Riverside. The game is slated to begin at 12:30 p.m.