BOX SCORE

AZUSA, Calif. --- A header by Eric Winblad in the 81st minute lifted No. 5 Azusa Pacific to a 1-0 win over Biola in a thrilling GSAC men's soccer match on Saturday afternoon in Azusa.

The Eagles,  who have now lost four-straight matches, fall to 6-6-1 on the season and to 1-5-1 in conference play. The Cougars improve to 8-2-3 overall and 5-0-1 in the GSAC.

The match was a defensive battle in the first half with APU holding a slight 9-4 edge in shots. The Cougars had the best chance to score early, pushing forward to create a string of three-straight corner kicks. But Biola held strong and the teams headed to the half tied at 0-0.

Eagle netminder Tyler Higgins had to leave the game at halftime due to an injury suffered in the first half and freshman Aaron Fenlason took over in the second half.

The two teams continued to battle back and forth with Azusa Pacific stepping up its attack as the match wore on. Despite the Cougar's furious attack, Biola held strong through the first 25 minutes of the second half.

However, a dangerous tackle from behind by defender Alex Honore earned him an immediate red card, which forced Biola to play down a man for the final 20 minutes of the match.

Azusa Pacific used the extra man to kick up the attack and finally was able to finish as Winblad headed home a cross by Brett Taylor in the 81st minute.

Fenlason had a strong half, making seven saves while facing 16 shots, allowing just one goal to the No. 5 team in the nation.

Biola returns to action on Wednesday (Oct. 22), hosting GSAC foe Westmont College at 7:00 p.m. on Al Barbour Field.