Fresno Pacific Athletics

FRESNO, CA. -- The Fresno Pacific men's soccer team dropped a tough game against Vanguard University 4-3 Saturday evening at FPU's Ramirez Field.

The Sunbirds trailed 2-0 at halftime, 3-0 early in the second half and 4-1 with 29 minutes remaining.

Adam Holstein and Tomislav Colic put the Lions ahead early on with goals in the 15th and 19th minutes to give Vanguard the 2-0 lead. Following the halftime break, VU's Eric Nutter netted in the 55th minute to extend the Lion's lead to 3-0. 

The Sunbirds finally got on the board in the 59th when a foul committed on FPU's Vitor Machado in the penalty box resulted in a penalty kick opportunity. Milhailo Jovanovic stepped up to convert the opportunity to cut the lead to 3-1.

The Lions roared right back with a goal in the 62nd minute by Alejandro Lopez to make it 4-1.

FPU continued to press on and scored in the 70th minute when Vianna converted another Sunbird penalty kick to close the gap to 4-2.

Machado's goal in the 81st minute brought the game back to within one, but that was as close as FPU would get.

With the loss the Sunbirds fall to 8-5-1 (4-3-1 GSAC) and will host Azusa Pacific on Wednesday (Oct. 28) at FPU's Ramirez Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7p.m.