Box Score RHONERT PARK, CA (September 23, 2014) – The Hawai'i Pacific Men's Soccer Team (2-3-1) dropped its match against Sonoma State University (5-2-0) by the score of 2-1 to open the road trip.
 
The Sharks had the first chance in a tough and physical game in the fifth minute with a header from Brais Garcia after a good corner kick from Erik Kemsies. It was the Seawolves, however, who stuck early, gaining the lead with just seven minutes into the game.
 
The Sharks played an active game, and had some good chances but failed to tie the game despite a 10-5 advantage in shots during the first period. The match presented two good teams and a tough fight.
 
Although the Sharks had to struggle with a long flight delay (3:00 a.m. arrival) on their trip to the mainland, the team showed high effort and motivation to turn the game.
 
With just six minutes left in the game, Sonoma State scored the insurance goal with a long shot from 20 yards out.
 
The Sharks' fighting spirit paid off in the 87th minute as Christopher Galang served a pass inside the box before Mario Garcia headed the ball past the keeper into the net. It was the first goal of his collegiate soccer career for the freshman from Spain.
 
HPU kept on fighting and made the game become a thriller in the last minutes. However, time expired before the Sharks were able to tie the game.
 
Head Coach Chris Fisher commented on his team's performance after the game, "We played against a good team today and we did not perform at our best. The travel and losing one of our best players in the first five minutes did not help, but mentally we need to be tougher. The game was still there to be won. Credit to our guys for the effort they put in today. We have to put it all together now as conference starts versus a solid Art U Team on Thursday."
 
Despite the loss, the Sharks finished the game with a 15-12 advantage in shots.

Garcia led the Sharks' statistics with four shots. Keeper Eduardo Palacios had five saves throughout the game.
 
The Sharks will open their conference season on Thursday against Academy of Art in San Francisco.