FRESNO, Calif. - What started out as defeats turned into draws, and from those draws a victory finally emerged.  And what a victory it was.  The FPU Women's soccer team comprehensively defeated Academy of Art in a non-conference clash from Ramirez Field on Saturday night.

"Super proud of this group, they have made tremendous strides as a program in such a short period," said first-year Associate Head Coach Roberto Hernandez - who also notched his first victory leading the program.  "Every single player in this program should be proud of tonight's performance."

Last week in a 0-0 draw with CSU San Bernardino, Maria Eir Magnusdottir came oh-so-close to netting the game-winner and FPU's first goal of the season.  This time around, the Icelandic midfielder and left back made the very most of her moment.  A perfectly floated corner by Nadia Flores came to the feet of Magnusdottir, who ran in undetected by the defenders and buried it from point blank range.  The 22nd minute strike was well-earned for the Sunbirds, who applied steady attacking pressure from the first whistle.  

Not long after Magnusdottir gave FPU the lead, they doubled their advantage thanks to Maria Garcia in the 33rd minute.  After a poor goal kick by Art U, the 'Birds were able to retain possession in the midfield long enough for Madisyn Anderson to find Magnusdottir alone along the left.  With some fancy footwork, Magnusdottir shook her defender and was able to carry the ball deep into the 18 yard box before centering to Mackenzie Madron who tee'd it up for Garcia.  The low strike was slotted into the left corner just past a lunging Art U keeper who narrowly missed the save.  

The second half of action, despite being relatively uneventful from an offensive perspective, was a masterclass from FPU on how to hold a lead and secure a clean sheet - their third in as many matches.  "Happy for the group to get our first win on the season but more excited that we've now gone three straight matches with a clean sheet," adds Hernandez.  "The clean sheets take a full team effort to earn."  

All in all, the Sunbirds outshot the visitors 13(8) - 2(1) and the scoreline could have been worse; Art U goalkeeper Nicole Peoples was forced to make 6 saves for the Urban Knights.  The FPU defense, anchored by center back Karyssa Lopez, gave their opponents very few opportunities on goal.  It was a much-needed and much-deserved victory for a side entering conference play Thursday at Ramirez Field.  The 'Birds will kick off at 7:30pm against PacWest newcomers Vanguard University.  The match will be streaming live on the PacWest Network.

"Excited for our conference opener against Vanguard! Vamos Sunbirds!"


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