FRESNO, Calif. – For the second consecutive game, the Chaminade University men's soccer team played to a double-overtime.
However, unlike Thursday's result that resulted in a win at Dominican, the Silverswords on Saturday were stopped by Fresno Pacific Saturday at Ramirez Field, 2-1, in a battle of Pacific West Conference unbeatens.
Alvaro Nogales kicked in the game-winner with just over two minutes remaining in the second overtime period to keep the Sunbirds unbeaten at 3-0 in conference play, 5-1 overall. Nogales' winner came on a free kick just outside the box after a Silverswords' foul. Chaminade fell to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the PacWest.
Despite the loss, the 'Swords, who were picked to finish last in the PacWest Preseason Coaches' Poll, showed grit against the Sunbirds, who were picked second in the conference, as Chaminade played a man down for the remaining 36 minutes of the game after a red card.
FPU opened the scoring in the 29
th minute on Nick Watson's kick. The 'Swords tied it in the 49
th minute as
Nicolas Ferro got a pass from
Colton Gallt just outside the goal and found the back of the net for his second goal of the year and Gallt's first assist of the season.
Fresno Pacific had a lopsided advantage, outshooting Chaminade, 34-8, and shots on goal, 12-3, but also committed more fouls (19-10).
Bernd Buescherhoff made 10 saves on the day in taking the loss for the 'Swords, falling to 3-3. Andrew Luis got the win for the Sunbirds to improve to 5-1.
The 'Swords, who went 2-1 on the road, return home and will face California Baptist next Saturday at Saint Louis Field.
