ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Fresno Pacific surrendered a second-half goal to fall to West Region foe Sonoma State, 1-0, Saturday in non-conference action. The Sunbirds managed 18 shots on the evening, but couldn't find the back of the net at Seawolf Soccer Stadium in the loss.

FPU falls to 0-1-1 on the season, while SSU, a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association, improves to 2-0-0 with the win.

"We just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net today," said head coach Jaime Ramirez. "We created a lot of chances and even had the better of the momentum in the second half, but we just couldn't finish. We were on goal, but not on target offensively. Sonoma State had several solid players creating opportunities and they were able to take advantage of us on a counter. They are a very solid team in our region and these types of games are important for us as we move towards the conference schedule."

The Sunbirds had the first scoring opportunity of the night as senior Renato Bustamante's shot in the second minute was saved by SSU goalkeeper Mitch North. FPU fired six more attempts at goal in the first half, with sophomore Dylan Rusconi nearly finding the back of the net with a shot off the post in the 27th minute.

The Seawolves countered with 11 shots in the opening half, with the final attempt nearly finding the goal in the 44th minute as Michael Arroyo's attempt hit the crossbar. FPU's Andrew Luis made five saves in the period to keep the score 0-0 at the intermission.

FPU continued the pace in the second half with two early shots from Anthony Velarde and Bustamante, but both were saved by North in the 54th minute. Bustamante added another attempt in the 65th before SSU was finally able to break through a minute later. The Seawolves' Armando Coronel netted the would-be game-winner past Luis to put SSU up 1-0.

FPU, who was only held scoreless twice last season, made six more attempts at the equalizer before the final whistle. The Sunbirds were forced to play a man-down after Martin Kams was issued a second yellow and was sent off in the 74th.

The Sunbirds managed nine shots on goal, including five from Bustamante, on their 18 attempts. FPU generated six corner kicks to the Seawolves four. SSU was also drawn offsides seven times during the match.

Luis finished with six saves for FPU, while SSU's North amassed nine.

"Andrew was outstanding and made several brilliant saves throughout the match," said Ramirez. "We are learning a lot about ourselves right now both offensively and defensively and have no doubt we will put together a full 90 minutes."

FPU was without preseason All-Conference forward Alvaro Nogales on the evening.

The Sunbirds continue their non-conference slate on the road against Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday, September 12 at 4 p.m.