Fresno Pacific 2, Embry-Riddle (AZ) 0
Box Score
PHOTOS
Gustavo Da Silva and
Guilherme Machado scored goals and
Michael Kuehter had two assists Wednesday night as FPU defeated Embry-Riddle (AZ) 2-0 to begin the 2010 season.
The Sunbirds pressured the Eagle defense from the beginning, getting numerous chances, but were unable to convert in the first 40 minutes. FPU was hurt by 10 offsides calls, one of which nullified a goal by
Paul Islas.
"I liked that we were aggressive," said FPU coach Jaime Ramirez. "We created a lot of scoring opportunities early."
The Sunbirds would break through in the 40th minute when the freshman Da Silva, just 16 minutes into his collegiate career after subbing on, scored off of two quick touches by Kuehter and
Adrian Gonzalez.
Both teams were aggressive in taking shots, FPU had 20 to ERAU's 15, but the Sunbirds were more selective and willing to make the extra pass, which paid off.
The team would tack on its second goal early in the second half when Kuehter took a corner kick and Machado rose above the defense to head in the ball for a 2-0 lead.
Machado and
Mihailo Jovanovic led an intimidating Sunbird back line which kept the Eagle attack at bay. FPU goalie Steven Waite was credited with the shutout.
"I liked that the back four were organized," said Ramirez. "Shutouts are important in this kind of game."
The temperature on the field was 102 at the game's start and Ramirez applauded his team for being prepared to face the conditions.
"I was very pleased with our intensity," he said. "With the heat like it is that's expecting a lot to play two games in three days."
The Sunbirds are now 1-0 on the year and travel to Sacramento State on Saturday to face the NCAA Division I Hornets.