Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Nevada
Bulldogs Win WAC Opener 2-0 Over Nevada
10/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 6, 2006
Fresno, Calif. - After an even first half between two of the league favorites, Fresno State's senior class stepped up and delivered a 2-0 win. Senior Antonea Lugo scored in the 65th and 72nd minute as the Bulldogs improved to 7-4-1. Goaltender Angie Larsen also recorded her eighth shutout of the season, a career high for the senior.
"That was a big win for us, to play as well as we did in our first game back in two weeks," said head coach Steve Springthorpe. "Nevada's a good team, and the game was a real even battle. I thought that we did a good job of controlling the tempo and playing our style."
Fresno State opened up the game with a very quick chance, as the team moved up the right side and had an early cross from Alison Sill move entirely through the penalty box, but the Bulldogs were unable to put a foot on in and the opportunity moved by.
That would be the best chance either team had in a strong defensive half from both sides. Both teams were able to find a shot after a corner kick in the first fifteen minutes, but the rest of the period was played in the middle of the field, with the teams exchanging shots one more time in the 25th minute. Both goaltenders were up to the task, and the game remained scoreless.
Taking an idea from Fresno State, Nevada came out with a quick scoring opportunity to begin the second half. The Wolf Pack brought in their top scoring threat in Karen Zmirak and went to her early, as the sophomore had a shot right in front of the net in the 47th minute. However, the shot was turned back by Larsen, one of her five saves on the night.
The Bulldogs finally pushed through in the 65th minute, as Antonea Lugo put herself in place to recover a loose ball in the middle of the attacking zone, and sent the ball into the corner past a diving Jen Mavis to put the Bulldogs ahead 1-0.
Not stopping to rest, the `Dogs added a second goal six minutes later from the same source. Taking advantage of a free kick near midfield, the Wolf Pack were able to clear the initial kick, but Christina Gilbert corralled the rebound and sent the ball to Lugo, who nailed her second shot of the game for her second goal, sealing the win for the Bulldogs.
"I thought that all of our seniors really stepped up tonight," added Springthorpe. "Antonea obviously had a big game in what was somewhat of a new role for her, and our play, both offensively and defensively, was really anchored by what our seniors did tonight."
With the win, the Bulldogs start conference play with a 1-0 record. The team will play their final non-conference game on Sunday, traveling south to Long Beach State on Sunday. After that, Fresno State returns home for more conference action, playing Idaho on Friday, October 13 at 7 p.m.
