FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific women's soccer captured the lead in the first half and successfully shut-out (RV) Concordia University Irvine in the last home match of the season. The Sunbirds celebrated eleven seniors before the 1-0 conference triumph, highlighting and recognizing each student-athletes journey as a Sunbird.
In a touching pregame ceremony, FPU women's soccer celebrated eleven remarkable seniors and honored their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on the Sunbird program. Each senior's journey has helped shape the culture, competitiveness, and spirit of FPU women's soccer. These astounding players were
Karyssa Lopez,
Krysta Casas,
Katelyn Gonzalez,
Celine Corona,
Mackenzie Madron,
Jesslyn McCave,
Karyme Hernandez,
Madisyn Anderson,
Martina Ebner Cignetti,
Paige Smith, and
Nadia Flores.
The Sunbirds began the match with early defensive challenges, including a key save by senior goalkeeper
Katelyn Gonzalez at 8:45. Freshman
Bailey Roberson was the first to score in the match, sending a ball narrowly between the post and the goalkeeper to boost FPU ahead of CUI in the 19
th minute. Roberson has been an incredible addition to the FPU women's soccer team, having collected four goals thus far this season. She's opened the scoresheet twice for the 'Birds.
In the second half, the Golden Eagles nearly scored on a penalty kick, but a deflection off the crossbar kept the Sunbirds ahead and CUI scoreless. Remarkable footwork and ball control by
Damaris Lopez kept the ball in Sunbird possession in the final ten minutes of the match. Fresno Pacific's defensive efforts, specifically from Lopez and Hernandez, were incredible when it came to predicting where passes would go and sending balls away from the goal time and time again. With a minute and a half to go, Roberson and Lopez made a daring attempt to score another for FPU, but the Golden Eagles flew in and sent the ball away.
Gizelle Aguirre strongly fought to get a corner and take time off the clock, her efforts brought the time down to 30 seconds. The game concluded with the Sunbirds capturing a 1-0 shut-out, which marks their fourth of the season. The 'Birds have secured their best win streak thus far with three straight wins under their wings.
"I am incredibly proud of everyone, the work rate we showed tonight was incredible, we showcased our talent," said second-year head coach
Roberto Hernandez. "It's phenomenal to be able to win for our seniors on senior night, and we are ready for our SoCal trip to face Biola & Point Loma. Vamos Sunbirds!!"
Fresno Pacific women's soccer is 3-7-5 overall and 2-2-4 in PacWest play.
NEXT UP: The 'Birds travel to Biola on Thursday, November 4th for the second-to-last match of the regular season.
SUNBIRD SOCIAL
- X - @fpusunbirds
- Instagram - @fpusunbirds
- Facebook - /FPUsunbirds
#TeamFPU
