<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2pdV2B_0wEcKReK00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2pdV2B_0wEcKReK00" width="800" height="450" >SAN FRANCISCO, Calif - Coming off three tremendously challenging contests that included two against nationally-ranked sides, the FPU women's soccer team was starting to sense a shift in the tide for a program so desperate for a reboot. That progress and belief was on full display Saturday as the Lady 'Birds comprehensively took down Academy of Art 3-0 in an afternoon matinee."Fantastic performance from the group tonight, it really was a team effort and everyone made an impact," said FPU Associate Head Coach Roberto Hernandez. "Great to get back into the win column and great to get another clean sheet! The group is motivated and ready for our next challenge." The first half was a goalless draw, but the Sunbirds came alive in the second half with goals in the 52nd, 75th, and 79th minutes. Mackenzie Madron opened the scoring for FPU and Karyme Hernandez added to their lead, the first goal of the season for both players. It was a quiet day in goal for the ever-busy Monique Nevarez, who faced only one shot on goal and saved it with ease. But for rocksteady center back Karyssa Lopez, it was a day to remember. Not only did she put in another full shift on defense, but she helped keep another clean sheet - the team's fifth of the season. And if that's not enough, she scored her second career goal for the Sunbirds to make the score 3-0 and put the game completely out of reach for the hosts. Karyme Hernandez, with a goal and assist, is the Player of the Match.As belief begins to creep in for a team that's transitioned from shipping goals left and right in recent years to a side that's hanging with the big boys in games more often than not, it's easy to see the hard work beginning to pay dividends for the Lady 'Birds, who many predicted to finish at the bottom of the PacWest table. Performances like today's can only fuel that fire for success even quicker.Up next is a home clash against Jessup on Wednesday night at Ramirez Field. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm - following the men's clash - and will stream live on the PacWest Network. SUNBIRD SOCIAL <ul><li>Twitter - @fpusunbirds </li><li>Instagram - @fpusunbirds </li><li>Facebook - /FPUsunbirds </li></ul>#TeamFPU</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Sunbirds Offense, Defense Show Out in San Fran

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif - Coming off three tremendously challenging contests that included two against nationally-ranked sides, the FPU women's soccer team was starting to sense a shift in the tide for a program so desperate for a reboot. That progress and belief was on full display Saturday as the Lady 'Birds comprehensively took down Academy of Art 3-0 in an afternoon matinee.