Fuego defeat Wonders

The Fuego (12-4) are now three points ahead of the second-place Orange County Blue Star, who beat Southern California 2-1 on Thursday to move into a tie for first place with Fresno.

But the Fuego, who have scored a Premier Development League best 44 goals this season, regained top spot in the Southwest Division standings with relative ease against Nevada (1-12-1). They led 2-0 at halftime and continued the offensive outburst in the second half.

"Our heads just dropped after that third goal," said general manager Randy Roser. "When it's 2-0, you always have a chance. But everybody knows that when you go down 3-0, it makes it tough. That's the just the way it went for us."

The Wonders, who are in fourth place in the division standings, had their best chances to score in the second half. Kai Edwards had a 1-on-1 with the Fresno keeper but pushed his shot wide and, then later in the half, Edwards had a header that barely missed to keep the Fuego's shutout going.

Fresno has now beat the Wonders four times this season, outscoring them 15-1. Nevada's next two games are next weekend in Southern California against Orange County and the Seahorses.