MERCED, Calif. – Taking a quick trip up the 99, the FPU men's soccer team competed against the UC Merced Bobcats and left triumphant with a 2-1 victory. A dynamic team effort from the Sunbirds resulted in their first win of the season after opening the year with a defeat to regional powerhouse Cal State LA.

"Amazing team performance tonight! UC Merced is a well-coached team and I felt like we dominated long stretches of the game," said head coach Cameron Shahrokhi. "Both of our goals were top class. Chris Macias with a bit of individual brilliance to unlock their defense and a composed finish. The game winner was a great example of how unselfish our team is. Jacob Ramirez having the vision to make the extra pass to Brandon Lopez arriving at the perfect time was such a composed finish from a returning veteran. Solid win on the road."

The 'Birds came out strong, forcing a point blank save from the UCM goalkeeper in the opening minutes and then going just inches wide of the post on another early attempt.  The 'Birds took the lead right before the half thanks to a remarkable run and finish from Macias. The senior midfielder shook off every Bobcat in his path, dribbled into the box, and chipped a high-center shot over the goalkeeper. Macias' efforts heated things up for the Sunbirds, igniting a fire inside several other attackers on the team. Fresno Pacific tallied 14 shots overall, seven of them being on target to score.

Despite the Bobcats' efforts to respond, Sunbirds' goalkeeper Elmer Carballo deflected a bicycle kick to protect the lead before the clock ran down before the half. Defensively, Fresno Pacific held strong against several of Merced's offensive tactics, leaning on its experienced players to command the field.

With a few minutes left on the game clock, junior midfielder Brandon Lopez nailed a perfect shot off an assist from Merced County-native Ramirez to bump the Sunbirds 2-0. The decision made by Ramirez was selfless, having had a clear shot at goal. Lopez's execution sent the Blue and Orange into a wave of cheers and shouts, and would ultimately be the difference-maker once the final whistle blew. The Merced Bobcats were undeterred, and managed to tally a last-minute, last-ditch goal that pulled them within one to make the final score 2-1 in favor of the visiting 'Birds.

NEXT UP: The Sunbird men's home opener is against Cal State East Bay on Saturday, September 13th, kicking off at 7:00 pm on Ramirez Field. 


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