LA MIRADA, CA. – The Sunbird men’s soccer team relied on a stellar defensive effort and a strong performance by freshman goalkeeper Gildardo Villarruel to secure the 2-1 upset win over #11 Biola (10-2-1). Goals by seniors Nehemias Blanco and Vitor Machado were enough to knock off the talented and nationally ranked Eagles squad giving FPU a key conference away win.
Fresno Pacific started the game off on the right track when Blanco drilled a 40 yard blast resulting from a direct free kick that was awarded to FPU in the 36th minute. Blanco drove the ball with such force that it sailed through traffic and bounced up-and-over the outreached hands of Biola goalkeeper Aaron Fenlason to give the Sunbirds the 1-0 lead.
Not to be outdone, the Eagles answered right back with a goal of their own just two minutes later. Biola’s Marco Ruvalcaba netted his own 25 yard blast in the 38th minute that beat FPU’s Villarruel to make it a 1-1 game.
The Eagles continued to create chances as the first half went on and fired off 12 shots to the Sunbirds 2. Biola also had a 6-1 edge in corners to end the period, but the score remained tied at 1 apiece.
The Sunbirds were able to increase their effectiveness in the second half of play and began to create more chances as the game progressed recording 6 shots to the Eagles 9.
With neither team able to convert in the second half, the game headed to overtime.
Credit to FPU’s Villarruel for keeping Sunbirds alive with an instrumental save on a golden 1v1 opportunity Biola had to win the game early in the first overtime period.
Machado's golden goal strike in the 100th minute sealed the deal for the Sunbirds and capped off the 2-1 victory.
With the win, FPU improves to 8-4-1 overall (4-2-1 GSAC) and will host Vanguard University Saturday, October 24th at FPU's Ramirez Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.