Fresno State Athletics
Soccer Continues Road Stretch At Idaho, Boise State
10/10/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 10, 2005
Fresno State Bulldogs (3-8-1) at
Idaho Vandals (2-11, 0-2 WAC)
Date: Friday, Oct. 14
Time: 3 p.m.
Facility: Wicks Field
Series History: First Meeting
Last Meeting: First Meeting
The Opening Kick-Off
Conference play is underway and there is no better time to get back on track than this weekend. Fresno State (3-8-1, 0-1 WAC) has been struggling as of late, dropping back-to-back matches over the weekend while going winless since a 3-2 victory over Sept. 18 against Sam Houston State. The Bulldogs look to snap their losing streak on Friday afternoon when they continue their four-match road swing and square off against WAC newcomer Idaho (2-11-0, 0-2 WAC). Two days later, Fresno State tangles with Boise State (7-5-2, 1-1 WAC), which will serve as the host school for this year's WAC Tournament. There are six games remaining in conference play, with three of those at home and three on the road.
Scouting Idaho
Idaho (2-11-0, 0-2-0) is off to a rough start as it begins its first season as a member of the WAC. The Vandals opened conference play with back-to-back losses, falling at Hawai'i (4-0) in the league opener on Friday and then losing to previously-winless San Jose State 2-0. Against the Spartans, the Vandals were outshot 18-6. Idaho, which has not scored a goal in three straight games, is on a nine-match losing streak- the longest since a 12-game skid in 1998. Players to watch include: Jenny Springer (four goals, eight assists, 15 shots), Aly South (two assists, two points, 18 shots) and Lindsay Smith (63 saves, 26 goals allowed, 2.00 GA, one shutout). Peter Showler is in his first year at the helm of the program.
Fresno State All-Time vs. Idaho
Fresno State and Idaho will be meeting for the first time.
Scouting Boise State
Boise State (7-5-2, 1-1 WAC) hosts Nevada on Friday afternoon before taking on Fresno State two days later. The Broncos split their first two league matches last weekend, losing at Hawai'i 3-0 and edging San Jose State 2-1 in overtime. Against the Spartans, the Broncos benefited from a SJSU own goal to earn the win. Boise State, which has just one win in its last four contests, has been outscored by its opponents 16-15 this year. They have been outshot 215-159, including a 117-75 count in the second half. Players to keep an eye on include: Nicole Coleman (four goals, four assists, 12 points), Randi Baker (three goals, seven points, 26 shots, 13 shots on goal), Michaela Morrison (five starts, 1.10 GAA, 36 saves, 3-1-2 record) and Kim Parker (nine starts, 1.11 GAA, 39 saves, 4-4 record). Head coach Steve Lucas is in his fifth season.
Fresno State All-Time vs. Boise State
The all-time series is even at 2-2. Boise State recorded a 3-0 shutout at home in last year's meeting. Fresno State won back-to-back matches in the two previous years, winning 4-3 in overtime on Oct. 20, 2002 and 5-2 at home on Oct. 3, 2003. Fresno State is 1-1 in matches played in Boise.
The Road Might Be A Good Thing
Fresno State is in the midst of a four-game road trip, the second such away stretch the `Dogs have encountered this year. Maybe that will help the club get back on track, as Fresno State has registered all of its victories on the road while piling up a 0-3-1 ledger in matches played at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs will not return home until Oct. 21, when WAC newcomer Louisiana Tech pays its first-ever visit to Fresno.
Finishing The Job
The ability to create opportunities and shots has not been a problem for Fresno State, which owns a 139-127 edge over its foes in that category. However, of Fresno State's 139 shots, only 64 have been on goal and only 10 have found the back of the net. The Bulldogs have struggled when it comes to finishing their chances as the team has scored only 10 goals all year. For example, Fresno State has not scored a goal at home since Aug. 26 - representing a scoreless stretch of 318:35.
Last Week's Action:
No. 5 Santa Clara 2, Fresno State 0 (Oct. 7, 2005)
Playing against its highest-ranked opponent in three years, Fresno State gave a competitive effort but came up short in a 2-0 loss to No. 5 Santa Clara. Santa Clara held a 14-4 advantage in shot attempts, with five shots and both goals coming off the foot of leading scorer Jordan Angeli. Kortney Lewis and Rochelle Jagdeo each recorded shots on goal while Angie Larsen was impressive with four saves.
Nevada 4, Fresno State 2 (Oct. 9, 2005)
Alison Sill scored her first two career goals, however Nevada rallied from a two-goal, first-half deficit to defeat Fresno State 4-2 on Sunday afternoon in the WAC opener for both teams. The Wolf Pack outshot the Bulldogs 18-12, who snapped their offensive slump thanks in large part to Sill, who scored twice and tallied three shots. Kortney Lewis led all players with four shots while Erika Sugano added two attempts. Goalkeeper Jeannette Paine received the starting nod in goal and made a season-high seven saves.
