FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno Pacific defeated visiting Academy of Art 2-1 at Ramirez Field on Thursday night in PacWest action. First-half goals by
Thiago Novis and
Dallas Whitlow held up as the Sunbirds improved to 7-2, 5-1 in PacWest play.
"For us to only give up one goal to a team that has been scoring multiple goals, under our circumstances with the rash of injuries we've had and the moving parts of our system today, was key," said head coach
Jaime Ramirez. "We had to make some adjustments today, but the quick start was important for us in the victory. We had opportunities throughout the match, but just didn't bury them the way we are used to."
FPU opened the scoring early on Novis' goal in the sixth minute. The opportunity was created by
Alvaro Nogales, who found
Jorge Chedraui just outside the box, which was then dished over the goalkeeper to present a wide-open opportunity for Novis to tap in.
The second score came off a set play from the Sunbirds, as
Eric Velarde played a corner over the goalkeeper to a diving
Dallas Whitlow, who bodied the cross into the back of the net to give the Sunbirds a 2-0 advantage.
FPU had another opportunity to add a score on a breakaway from
Renato Bustamante in the 56th minute, but an Urban Knights defender slid into the goal to block Bustamante's shot just before it crossed the goal line.
With the score 2-0 and nearly 30 minutes remaining, FPU rode
Andrew Luis and
Dallas Whitlow on defense to hold the lead. Luis made key saves in the 70th and 86th minutes and finished the afternoon with five blocks.
Kristof Urbanyi scored on a penalty kick with two minutes remaining to make the score 2-1 to pull the Urban Knights within one, but FPU held on for the 2-1 victory. AAU fell to 4-6, 2-2 in PacWest play.
"A two-goal lead is the most difficult lead to hold on to in soccer," said Ramirez. "The guys took on the responsibility to preserve the win in a tough situation. The leadership that Andrew is showing in situations like tonight was evident in the way he responded and made a few nice saves. It may have not been the cleanest victory, but we will take the three points and hope in the next few days we can get better."
FPU continues action this Saturday on the road at Dominican at 1 p.m.
