Box Score

SAN DIEGO - Fresno Pacific dropped its PacWest conference opener on Saturday 2-1 on the road at Point Loma. After falling behind early, FPU's Brooke Bingham scored the equalizer for the Sunbirds on a beautiful free-kick goal in the 22nd minute.

"That was really nice to see," said head coach Erik Farfan, of the goal. "That's something we've been working on in practice, she just missed one in the SFSU game and so it was great to see her convert. I can't remember a goal during my time here that matched that kind of quality and execution and that really changed the game."

From that point, the run of play evened out with both teams possessing the ball fairly equally. The teams went into the break tied 1-1.

PLNU received a red card early in the second half, but just minutes later the Sea Lions would score the go-ahead goal as Shelby Murphy netted a free kick in the 62nd minute. Scoring opportunities increased for FPU down the stretch with the Sunbirds playing with the one-man advantage, but some key saves by the PLNU keeper sealed the match for the Sea Lions. FPU was out-shot 26-7 on the day.

"Our competitiveness and effort was there," said Farfan. "We had our chances, but we need to take advantage of those moments. We can be proud of our effort and I think with some sharper finishing and play in the final third, we'll be where we need to be."

The Sunbirds fell to 0-5 on the season while the Sea Lions improved to 2-2.

FPU returns home to host Hawaii Hilo this Thursday at 7:30 pm.