FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno Pacific men's soccer secured a decisive 3-0 home victory over Chaminade in the PacWest conference opener, marking their second win of the season. The Sunbirds' offense was merciless with 27 shots, ten on target, while the defense maintained a shutout with four saves overall. Strong performances from Lucas Ribeiro, Chris Macias, and Zion Vaughn contributed to the Sunbirds' impressive triumph.

"We played well tonight. It was a great to start conference play with 3 points and a shutout," said head coach Cameron Shahrokhi following the game. "We controlled all phases of the match from the first whistle. We were unlucky to not score more, hitting the post on numerous occasions. We still have a lot of room to grow but tonight was a step in the right direction. We have a quick turn around against a top opponent in Hawaii Pacific on Saturday night. We will enjoy this win tonight but it is back to work tomorrow. What humbles me is seeing how this team has handled losing back to back games with dignity and perseverance. I believe God is shaping us through these challenges, and I'm proud of how our group has responded to our early season setbacks with faith and grit."

The first half began with Fresno Pacific setting an aggressive tone, consistently pressuring Chaminade's defense. Despite multiple early attempts, including shots by  Ribeiro and Julian Aran Martin, Chaminade managed to keep the score level with key saves. Fresno Pacific's persistence paid off in the 29th minute when Macias found the back of the net, assisted by Chris Meza and Martin, giving the home team a 1-0 advantage.  Macias' speed and grit was hard for the visitors to contain all night, and frequently looked physically outmatched against Shahrokhi's band of grizzled Sunbirds.  

The Blue and Orange continued to maintain control and dictate the play of action, creating opportunities but hitting the woodwork twice late in the half. The defense, anchored by Elmer Carballo's saves, ensured the team preserved its lead. The senior goalkeeper tallied four saves for the day. The half concluded with Fresno Pacific leading Chaminade 1-0, setting a positive momentum for the next half.

The second half began with an aggressive offensive push. Macias and Bryan Lopez initiated early shot attempts, but it was Ribeiro who capitalized in the 64th minute to extend the lead.  A Sunbird was fouled in the box and the ref immediately pointed to the penalty spot.  The São Paulo sharpshooter wasted no time burying his spot kick to double his team's lead and add his second tally of the season.  The 2024 PacWest-leading scorer has now scored in back-to-back games for the 'Birds after going scoreless in the first three matches.

Chaminade's goalkeeper made several key saves, including stopping point blank shots from Jacob Ramirez and Brandon Lopez. Despite their efforts, the Silverswords could not find the back of the net. University of Pacific transfer Zion Vaughn iced the win for the 'Birds with a blazing, top-shelf, counter-attack goal in the 79th minute, bringing the final score to 3-0. It marked Vaughn's first goal as a Sunbird, and Fresno Pacific's highest goal tally in a game this season. 

Fresno Pacific improved to 2-3 overall and 1-0 in PacWest conference play following the win.

NEXT UP: The 'Birds continue PacWest Conference play against Hawaii Pacific on Saturday, September 27^th at 8:00 pm. Come cheer on the Sunbirds at Ramirez Field for Friends and Family Weekend!

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