SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — In a SoCal downpour, Fresno Pacific men's soccer fell 5-1 to No. 8 Cal State San Bernardino on Sunday, with the Sunbirds putting six of their nine shots on target.
The Sunbirds entered the rematch looking to respond after CSUSB, who was 18th in the nation at the time, edged FPU 1-0 earlier this season. Playing through rainy conditions at Premier Field, the Coyotes struck twice early to take control of the match.
Fresno Pacific answered through
Manuel Martinez, who netted his first goal of the season. After receiving a cross from
Andres Perez, Martinez found space and sent a shot into the left side of the goal, beating the goalkeeper to cut into the deficit. It was the fourth goal allowed in conference this season by No. 8 Cal State San Bernardino.
With five minutes remaining in the first half, CSUSB appeared to add another goal, but an offside call prompted a Coyotes challenge. The ruling was overturned, giving the home side a 3-1 advantage heading into halftime.
CSUSB outshot the Sunbirds 7-4 in the second half and added two late goals in the 80th and 89th minutes to secure the 5-1 result. FPU continued to look for opportunities, putting two second-half shots on target, but attempts from
Daniel Perez and
Andres Perez were saved. The game ended FPU 1 - CSUSB 5.
NEXT UP: Fresno Pacific heads on the road to compete against Cal State Monterey Bay on Thursday at 7pm. The 'Birds will celebrate their seniors on Saturday, October 17th at Ramirez Field. The men's match against Cal Poly Humboldt kicks off at 3pm!
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