FRESNO, Calif. - In a nail biting showdown, Fresno Pacific men's soccer fought hard to bounce back from an initial 1-0 deficit after Menlo scored late in the first half. The Sunbirds dominated the second half with shot attempts, but the Oaks kept FPU scoreless to the final whistle.
"An unfortunate result against an organized side. Menlo was happy to concede possession, sit back, and absorb. We weren't able to capitalize on our opportunities."
The Sunbirds created the first chances of the match, producing two attacking actions in the opening minutes before weathering an early Menlo push that included two shots and two corner kicks.
Menlo broke through in the 34th minute when Hugo Few finished off an assist from Diego Ruiz to give the Oaks a 1-0 lead. Fresno Pacific responded with a strong push before halftime, earning a corner and firing five shots between the 36th and 43rd minutes. Attempts from
Andres Perez and
Bernardo Novello were stopped, however, as Menlo carried the one-goal advantage into the break.
"Our guys fought hard but lacked the quality in the final moment," said head coach
Cameron Shahrokhi. "We controlled possession and the opportunities but that's soccer. Credit to Menlo's defense and goalkeeper who came up with numerous big time saves."
The Sunbirds controlled much of the pressure after halftime, recording 10 shots and five corner kicks while repeatedly testing Menlo goalkeeper, including stops on attempts from
Nixon Hansen,
Cassidy Schlesinger,
Alejandro Avila and
Beau Brusseau.
At the other end, Hardiman made three saves to keep Menlo off the scoreboard in the second half, but the Sunbirds could not find the tying goal as the Oaks held on for the 1-0 victory.
NEXT UP: The 'Birds take on Chico State at home on Friday, October 9th at 7pm.
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