SAN DIEGO, CA. – The Fresno Pacific men’s soccer team recorded a 2-2 draw Saturday afternoon against Point Loma Nazarene in the final round of Golden State Athletic Conference play. The Sunbirds had to come from behind twice to earn the share of the points and the tie.
Next up is the GSAC post-season playoffs. Fresno Pacific will travel to Southern California for a Wednesday showdown at Azusa Pacific.
Point Loma scored in the opening 2 minutes of play Saturday to take an early lead. Jeff Serbin scored directly from a corner kick to give PLNU the 1-0 edge.
The Sunbirds managed to outshoot the Sea Lions 8-6 in the first half, scoring the equalizer in the 39th minute on a Vitor Machado penalty kick.
With the game tied at one apiece, Point Loma’s Eric Leboffe regained the lead for the Sea Lions in the 53rd minute by converting a penalty kick.
FPU’s Guilherme Machado brought the Sunbirds level once again after finishing a delivery from teammate Paul Islas to tie the game at 2-2.
Neither team scored in the two ten minute overtime periods.
Point Loma had a slight edge in shots 16-15 and in corner kicks with 8 to the Sunbirds 5.
“I thought we had the better chances,” FPU head coach Jaime Ramirez said.
With the tie, the Sunbirds finish the regular season at 8-6-2 and 4-4-2 in the GSAC. Fresno Pacific already has qualified for the NAIA National Tournament Nov. 30-Dec. 5 because it is the host school.