AZUSA, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific men's soccer team was tripped up on Thursday night, falling 2-1 against 14th-ranked Azusa Pacific.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: #14 Azusa Pacific 2, Fresno Pacific 1
Records: FPU (9-2-1, 4-2-0 PacWest), APU (11-1-1, 6-0-0 PacWest)
All-Time Series: FPU leads 28-26-3
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Azusa Pacific came out firing, scoring two goals in the first 24 minutes while limiting FPU's offensive opportunities for the entire first half.  
• The Sunbird offense began to click once the second half got underway, leading to a goal 14 minutes into the half. 
• FPU created a handful of scoring chances late but were unable to find the equalizer.
 
SCORING: 
• (13:51) Kyle Diaz connected with James Ndubueze on a cross from the right wing, and Ndubueze's sliding shot gave the Cougars the early lead.
• (23:31) Ndubueze teamed up with Gabriel Costa on a low pass from the top of the box, with Costa taking the conference lead in points after beating the FPU keeper.
• (59:10) Brian Leyva and Joao Ravasio made quick passes to find Jose Segura ten yards from the goal, allowing FPU to cut their deficit in half.
 
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• Fresno Pacific claimed a narrow 18-17 edge in shots, but both teams ended up with seven shots on target. 
• Patrick Timmer tallied five saves between the pipes for FPU, while Brendan Fix gave the Cougars six of his own. 
• The Sunbirds took 11 of the game's 13 corner kicks.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Thursday marked just the second time this season that Anthony Velarde was held without a point or assist.
• Azusa Pacific is now two games ahead of the rest of the league, while FPU drops into a tie for second place in the league standings.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics  
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds return to the pitch on Saturday, when they take on longtime foe Biola in La Mirada. Opening whistle is scheduled for 4:00 pm from Al Barbour Field.