MT. BERRY, Ga. -- Freshman Brandon Stirm's goal 16 minutes into overtime lifted unranked Azusa Pacific to an upset 2-1 win over the NAIA's No. 17-ranked and 2003 NAIA Semifinalist Berry (Ga.) in a key early-season non-conference road win Friday.

With the win Azusa Pacific improves to 3-0 on the season, the first time the Cougars began the season with 3 straight wins since 2000. The Cougars will go for their fourth straight win tomorrow against unranked Thomas (Ga.).

After both teams scored a goal apiece in regulation, the Cougars broke through with the game-winner with less than 4 minutes remaining in the second overtime. Skelly Kellar broke free and fed an open Stirm, who buried the game-winner.

"Stirm's goal was a great way to end this game," said Azusa Pacific head coach Phil Wolf. "That was a thing of beauty. It was a well played game even though it took us awhile to get settled. Once we did, we took off. This is a great win for us against this caliber of a team on the road. It's definitely something for us to build upon."

Berry, which dominated the entire first half broke through with the first goal nearly 12 minutes into the second half on an unassisted goal by David Bell.

That goal and the deficit seemingly kickstarted the Cougars, who wrestled away control of the run of play. With nearly 19 minutes remaining Kolt Callaway gave the Cougars the equalizer on an assist by Stirm.

Julian Cottrell nabbed 6 saves to pick up the win in net.

SCORING:
56:50 - BERRY -- DAVID BELL (unassisted)
71:47 - APU -- KOLT CALLAWAY (Brandon Stirm)
106:35 - APU -- BRANDON STIRM (Skelly Kellar)

Shots: Berry 22 (7 on goal); APU 16 (9 on goal)
Saves: Berry (Byron Schueneman) 7; APU (Cottrell) 6
Corner Kicks: Berry 9; APU 6
Fouls: Berry 26; APU 16