Fresno Pacific Athletics

FRESNO, CA. - The Fresno Pacific women's soccer team put up quite a fight Tuesday evening in a 1-0 loss to #3 Azusa Pacific at FPU's Ramirez Field. After a scoreless first half, APU's Molly Lavin converted a 40 yard blast in the 58th minute which was good enough for the 1-0 Cougar win.

FPU played well to open the match, and although limited to 2 shots in the first half, maintained a fair share of possession with APU. The Cougars recorded 7 shots in the opening period, but the Sunbird's defensive effort was solid and held Azusa at bay for nearly 2/3 of the game.

With the wind at APU's back, the Sunbirds were put under more pressure to open the second half of play. The Cougar's pressure finally paid off when Azusa's Jacqueline Conforto set-up Lavin for the game's only goal which slammed off the left hand corner of the upper-v and into the back of the Sunbird's net.

"It was a great shot," credited FPU head coach Erik Farfan. "There wasn't much Cat (Catherine Michaelis) could do with that one."

Historically, the Sunbirds have yet to defeat or tie Azusa Pacific (0-8), and have lost each of those matches by three goals or more.

"It was really encouraging to see that we were able to keep it to a one-goal-game and as close as we did, and that we stayed in the match for the full ninety minutes," Farfan added. "They (Azusa) are a great team and it took a great shot to beat us tonight, but we are definitely getting closer to where we need to be."

Following the loss, Fresno Pacific falls to 9-5-1 overall and are 4-4-1 GSAC. With at least a top-eight finish solidified going into the final round of Conference games this weekend, the Sunbirds have already clinched a playoff spot and are guaranteed post-season play. 

FPU will wrap up GSAC play and travels to face #17 Point Loma Nazerene this Saturday, October 31st to determine final conference standings and ultimately, playoff matchups. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00am.