Late Goals Lead to Victory

Saturday, October 14

Fresno, Calif.

7:30 PM

California Baptist University

10-0-2, 6-0-1

Fresno Pacific

4-8-0, 3-4-0

California Baptist

Fresno Pacific

Photo by: Conner Schuh

Late Goals Lead to Victory

10/14/2017 11:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Sammi Wellman, Director of Sports Information

FRESNO, Calif. — No. 6-ranked California Baptist University scored two late goals in less than a minute to grab a 2-0 victory on the road at Fresno Pacific.

The Lancers remain undefeated with a 10-0-2 overall and 6-0-1 PacWest mark, extending their program-best unbeaten streak to 12-straight games. The Sunbirds drop to 4-8-0 on the year, 3-4-0 in conference.

"We knew coming in that FPU is much more talented than their record indicates and the reality is that we are getting everybody's best game at this point," said Coach Coe Michaelson. "On top of that, like Point Loma last week, we are missing some really good players and we faced a rested opponent after playing at home just 48 hours ago. Our performance in the face of that adversity was top notch."

CBU held a lot of the possession, but didn't really get a good look on goal until the 26^th minute when Junior Guerra had a shot blocked. Less than a minute later, Aidan Apodaca put a shot on goal, but the FPU goalkeeper made the save.

Meanwhile the Sunbirds had chances of their own, keeping the CBU backline and goalkeeper Edgar Benitez busy. Benitez finished with four saves to grab his fourth shutout of the year.

"While we had lots of the ball, they were always dangerous on the quick counter with their talented attacking players, but I felt we really managed the game well and our center backs [of Abe Placito and Gabriel Silva] really showed their class tonight," said Michaelson. "I don't think there is a better pairing in our region."

The Lancers, who were called offside seven times in the game, finally broke through in the 87^th minute. Hugo Gutierrez played a perfect ball in behind the defense for Apodaca to run onto for a breakaway with the FPU keeper. Apodaca kept his composure and tapped in his 20^th goal of the year to put his team up 1-0.

"We said before the game that it was important to just stay patient," said Michaelson. "Sure enough, after several near misses, the goal finally came."

Just 50 seconds later, he did it again.

Gutierrez picked up his ninth assist on the play as Apodaca scored for the 21^st time this year to make it 2-0. The duo both rank in the top-10 of the NCAA Division II statistics, with Apodaca leading all divisions (I, II and III) in scoring.

CBU remains on the road, heading to rival Azusa Pacific on Thursday for another game under the lights. The Lancers and Cougars will kick off at 7:30 p.m.