HAYWARD, Calif.- A last minute goal wasn't enough for a comeback as the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (1-5 overall) fell 3-2 to the Cal State East Bay Pioneers (3-0-1) Saturday afternoon.
The Pioneers took the lead early with a goal in the fifth minute.
In the 13th, the Sunbirds capitalized off their first corner of match as Madilyn Hernandez launched the ball into the box. After it bounced around, Karyssa Lopez leveled it into the back of the net to even the match 1-1.
Birgitta Eggertsdottir recorded her first save of the match in the 19th minute, stealing a goal from the Pioneers.
It wasn't long however until the Pioneers broke through again in the 32nd minute to take the 2-1 lead into halftime.
The second half turned into a defensive battle as both teams struggled to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities.
A foul in the box by the Sunbirds in the 74th minute proved costly as the Pioneers converted the penalty kick to take their largest lead of the match 3-1.
FPU managed to break through in the 81st with a goal from Tessa Simmons off the assist by Ashley Gardner to bring the 'Birds back within one.
The late goal however wasn't enough as the clock expired, securing the Pioneers victory 3-2.
The 'Birds converted the select number of opportunities they were able to create as they managed just five shots in the match, but scored twice.
Fresno Pacific heads home for their last non-conference match of the season against San Francisco State Tuesday night at 5pm on Ramirez Field.
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