AZUSA, Calif. - Azusa Pacific secured a 3-0 victory, blanking Fresno Pacific at the Cougar Soccer Complex on Monday evening. Mario Shuteriqi collected the first brace of his career and also added an assist, while Gabriel Oropeza scored his second goal of the season. Timo Wurtemberger also earned the first assist of his career and Alexis Rodriguez collected the first clean sheet of his career, coming up with a career-high six saves. 

"To score early was key to this game because it really gave us confidence and set the tone" said head coach Dave Blomquist. "I think the guys stepped up tonight. They put in the effort, put in the focus and got a great win."

How it Happened: Azusa Pacific got out to an early lead in the 4th minute when a deflection in the box found the feet of Shuteriqi who's right-footed shot found the back of the net to give Azusa Pacific a 1-0 lead. 

Azusa Pacific's press down field continued when Wurtemberger's run on the near side set up Shuteriqi. Shuteriqi then played a perfect cross to Oropeza whos laser of shot got past the diving Sunbirds goalkeeper to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead midway through the first half. 

To start the second half, Fresno Pacific found an early shot on frame, but Cougar goalkeeper Rodriguez collected his first save of the game to keep the Sunbirds off the board. Fresno Pacific found three more shots on goal, with one coming in the 69th minute when Rodriguez made an incredible diving save to preserve the clean sheet. 

In the 81st minute, a foul in the box led to a penalty kick for Azusa Pacific. Shuteriqi calmly took it and found the back of the net with ease to collect his second goal of the game. The Sunbirds were able to get two more shots off in the remainder of the game, but the Cougars were able to complete the 3-0 shutout after 90 minutes of play. 

By the Numbers: Shuteriqi now has a team-leading four goals on the season and ranks third in the PacWest with two game-winning goals. The Cougars collected nine shots with seven on goal compared to the Sunbirds 12 shots with six on frame. Through 90 minutes of play, 10 yellow cards were thrown out across both sides. With the victory, the Cougars lead the all-time matchup against Fresno Pacific 29-27-4. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will begin their Hawai'i road trip against Chaminade on Monday, October 30th. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM (PST) | 10:00 AM (HST). You can livestream the game HERE.