AZUSA, Calif. – Fresno Pacific surrendered three second-half goals to #23 Azusa Pacific to fall 3-0 on the road in PacWest action. The Cougars benefitted from two penalty kicks to make the difference at Cougar Soccer Complex.

FPU falls to 9-5-1 overall and 7-3-1 in the PacWest with the loss, while APU improves to 14-2, 11-1. The Cougars entered the night as the regular season PacWest champions coming off their win last week. The Sunbirds still remain in the hunt to qualify for the National Christian College Athletic Association following the decision with one game remaining.

"It was the best away game of the season for 70 minutes," said head coach Jaime Ramirez. "We were denied two possible penalties and missed a few chances against their keeper. Once the first goal came on a penalty, it changed the game. The boys played their hearts out."

After the Cougars took the lead in the 67th minute on a penalty from Colton Lamb, the Sunbirds nearly found the equalizer two minutes later on a header from Dallas Whitlow. The officials called Whitlow offside to neutralize the shot on goal.

APU managed two more scores the rest of the way to secure the 3-0 win. The Cougars received a goal from Keyran Kelly in the 76th and another penalty from Lamb in the 83rd.

Andrew Luis finished the night with five saves for FPU, while Alvaro Nogales led the team with three shots. The juniors lone shot on goal nearly found the back of the net but hit the post.

FPU needs a win or a draw in its next game at Dixie State on Saturday, Nov. 8 to secure its berth in postseason play.