FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno Pacific men's soccer triumphed over Hawaii Pacific with a thrilling 4-2 victory on Saturday night. The Sunbirds surged ahead with two first-half goals and maintained their lead with another pair in the second. Despite Hawaii Pacific's attempt to rally with two goals in the latter period, the Sunbirds' offensive consistency secured the win.

The first half began with the Sunbirds establishing an early offensive rhythm. Stanislaus State transfer Jacob Ramirez and All-PacWest first teamer Lucas Ribeiro contributed multiple shot attempts, testing Hawaii Pacific's defense. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when team captain Julian Aran Martin scored a a powerful header into the back of the net, assisted by Bryan Lopez, putting the 'Birds ahead.

Fresno Pacific continued to apply pressure, resulting in a second goal for Aran Martin in the 32nd minute, this time assisted by Chris Macias. The Argentine and team captain - a centerback - doubled his career goals total at FPU with the brace. Elmer Carballo made a crucial save to maintain the lead, and the half ended with the Sunbirds leading 2-0.

The second half of play began with Fresno Pacific maintaining their momentum. Ribeiro netted a goal in the 61st minute, assisted by Zion Vaughn, extending the lead to 3-0. The veteran winger squeezed his shot below the diving Sharks' keeper, making it three goals in as many games after being held scoreless in the season's first three outings.  Ribeiro's goal was briefly countered by a penalty kick goal from Hawaii Pacific's in the 63rd minute, bringing the score to 3-1.

Fresno Pacific responded to the challenge with another penalty kick goal by Ribeiro in the 75th minute, increasing their lead to 4-1. Hawaii Pacific managed to cut the deficit with a late goal in the 88th minute, after the ball ping ponged around in the box and sneaking past Carballo. Despite the late push the Sunbirds held firm and ended the night with a 4-2 home victory.

"I am pleased with the result and proud of the way the team competed," said FPU head coach Cameron Shahrokhi after the game. "There is still plenty of work ahead of us - our goal is to keep improving everyday, to sharpen the details and to continue building on this performance."

Overall, Ribeiro has now scored four goals in his last three and is looking to best last season's conference-leading 12 goals scored. Aran Martin contributed with two goals using his head on both. Goalkeeper Carballo made five saves in total, facing 16 shots and allowing two goals. Vaughn and Macias each provided an assist, aiding the team's offensive efforts.

"Our two captains (Ribiero and Aran Martin) really stepped up for us tonight and their leadership sets the tone for the entire group," Shahrohki added. "The way they carry themselves pushes everyone around them to be better."

Fresno Pacific improved to 3-3 overall and 2-0 in PacWest conference play.

"It's important that we remain humble in success and hungry to get better, and now direct our full focus toward preparing for Hawaii-Hilo."

NEXT UP: The Sunbirds continue PacWest Conference play against Hawaii-Hilo on Thursday, October 2nd.  The contest kicks off at 6:00pm PT from Ramirez Field.


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