FRESNO, Calif.-A second ball one, an extra touch, and a brilliant cross combined to setup the first goal of the season, a game-winner by Antonio Lepe in the 17^th minute as the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (1-1 overall) defeated a future PacWest foe in the NAIA's Jessup Warriors (3-3 overall) Saturday night on Ramirez Field.

Jessup had created a slight majority of the chances until Julian Aran Martin tapped a pass through the defense that setup Lucas Ribeiro for a cross. The Sophomore's low pass caromed off of the keeper to a wide open Antonio Lepe, who tapped home the go ahead goal.

"Lucas is creating like he has been," FPU head coach Jaime Ramirez said after the win. "Its important for us to recognize that and find the opportunities to create from the other side. That's important because we getting the ball to the other side but we're not getting around him all the time. We're starting to find balance."

With a goal in the 17^th minute, FPU played with even more pace and energy for the remainder of the half but the advantage remained 1-0 into the break.

The 'Birds upped the intensity even more in the second half but could not find the insurance goal.

Ribeiro led FPU with three shots, including two on goal. Lepe had two other shots besides his goal as FPU kept consistent pressure throughout the final 45.

The Sunbirds played with a man advantage for the final 18 minutes, narrowly missing on a few other opportunities.

One of which, Fabricio Saboya unleashed a 35-yard attempt that start with his back to the goal. As he turned to face the goal, rocketed the shot just a foot above the crossbar.

Elmer Carballo needed just three saves for his first clean sheet of the season but made some fantastic, game saving stops when pressured.

"I thought the boys came through with a good win for us." Ramirez said. "We talked about raising the level to that of training camp as we prepare for conference play. This was a good start along that path."

Fresno Pacific will hit the road on Tuesday to take on Cal State Monterey Bay at 3:00 pm.

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