FRESNO, Calif. - A 10-minute flurry of second half goals erased an early deficit and lifted the FPU Men's soccer team to a 3-2 home victory over Azusa Pacific.  

Less than three minutes after the opening kickoff, the 'Birds found themselves on the back foot once again.  APU's Gabriel Oropeza took a slick pass into the box from Luis Solis and slotted the ball past FPU keeper Elmer Carballo.  Despite trailing, FPU largely controlled the first half and forced Azusa keeper Alexis Rodriguez to make five saves, which included numerous superb attempts by both Lucas Ribeiro and Bryan Lopez.

Associate Head Coach Cameron Shahrokhi must have have said something at halftime to ignite a spark within the Sunbird squad, because they came out on fire.  A Kevin Closson long throw headed off Fabricio Pozas Saboya and into the running Ribeiro who headed the equalizer over the line from inches out.  It was the PacWest-leading sixth goal of the season for the team captain from Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Four minutes later, Chris Macias tapped in Saboya's pass from close range to give FPU the lead they would never surrender.  It was a fast and furious moment in the box with both teams wrestling for possession, but Saboya was able to squeak a ball through to Macias who redirected the pass straight into the bottom corner.  If that wasn't enough, a third was just moments away; this time it was Bryan Lopez's turn.  The former Clovis North star beat the keeper one on one to notch his first official goal as a Sunbird.  Fabricio Pozas Saboya was instrumental in the buildup of each goal and was credited with three assists.  

Azusa Pacific made things interesting in the 69th minute when Brian Torres netted their second goal.  But despite added intensity and persistent attacking threat by the Cougars, it was the Sunbirds who were able to hold on and notch their first conference win of the season.  "Our guys had an amazing second half," said Shahrokhi after the game.  "It was promising to see them execute the tactical adjustments made with the level of intensity and desire that they displayed."

"This will be a game we will build on as we continue to grow as a team.  It's a blessing to work with this group of men."

It was a physical game that featured 16 fouls and five yellow cards combined.  FPU out-shot the visitors 14(10) - 9(3).  The Cougars leave the Valley losers of five straight contests.

The 'Birds have a week off before heading south to SoCal to take on Concordia University.  The Eagles are still searching their first PacWest win, and have a showdown with Biola on Thursday before welcoming the Sunbirds over the weekend.  FPU and Concordia will kick off Saturday at 4pm PT in Irvine, and will be streaming on the PacWest Network.


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