Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Cal State Northridge
Gilbert Goal Keeps Bulldogs Undefeated Against Cal State Northridge
8/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 27, 2006
Fresno, Calif. - Fresno State won their second game in as many tries as the Bulldog defense held their opponent scoreless again in a 1-0 win over Cal State Northridge. Junior Christina Gilbert scored the game winning goal with 15 minutes remaining, curling a shot from the point past Matador goaltender Kellie Drenner to get the victory.
Cal State Northridge and the Bulldogs both entered Bulldog Stadium Sunday with unblemished records, as the Matadors had defeated Northern Arizona in Northridge before heading to Fresno, but the advantage was quickly in Fresno State's favor in heat that was over 100 degrees on the field. Northridge forward Kristy Krohn took the first shot of the game, but Fresno State answered back with two solid chances in the 12th minute. Nicole Gutierrez took a quick shot that was saved by goaltender April Cline, and 40 seconds later, Gutierrez took another shot from the right wing which rang off of the left post and away from the goal.
Fresno State had another flurry of action at the end of the period, taking five shots, but none found the back of the net as the game remained scoreless, even though Fresno State had the clear advantage in possession as well as outshooting Cal State Northridge 9 to 3 and taking three corner kicks to the Matadors' one.
The wide disparity in shots continued through the second half, as Fresno State goaltender Angie Larsen was only forced to make one save on two shots, while Fresno State continued to make opportunities against new Cal State Northridge goaltender Kellie Drenner.
The Bulldogs finally pushed through in the 74th minute on their sixth shot on goal in the half and their 15th overall. Alison Sill was able to break through the defense on a run on the right side, and after sending the ball back, midfielder Christina Gilbert sent the ball from the center to the left side of the net to give the Bulldogs the advantage. That goal was the first of Gilbert's career, and the assist by Alison Sill was her third of the year, keeping her part of an impressive streak that has her involved in every Fresno State goal this season.
Senior goaltender Angie Larsen recorded her second shutout of the year, making three saves to get the win. Kellie Drenner of Cal State Northridge took the loss, despite making five saves, two more than first half goaltender April Cline.
Next up for Fresno State is the first road trip of the year, as the Bulldogs travel clear across the country to the nation's southeast tip. Starting the action is a rematch with head coach Steve Springthorpe's previous home at Florida on Sept. 1, followed by a Sept. 3 match against Central Florida in Orlando.
