Shorthanded `Dogs Take Down Sacramento State

Sunday, September 17

Fresno, CA

2:00 PM

Fresno State

6-1-1

Sacramento State

5-3-0

Sacramento State

Fresno State

Senior Erika Sugano had a goal and an assist on Sunday.

Shorthanded `Dogs Take Down Sacramento State

9/17/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Sept. 17, 2006

Box Score

Fresno, Calif. - Playing with 10 players to Sacramento State's 11 for most of the second half, Fresno State was still the team that found its offense in the latter period, scoring two goals as Fresno State stayed unbeaten at home in a 2-0 win. Erika Sugano scored the first goal for the Bulldogs in the 63rd minute and made an assist for the second goal seven minutes later.

Entering the game with 17 goals in 7 games, Sacramento State matched up a strong offensive attack against Fresno State's strong defense, and the game lived up to its billing, seeing 39 shots in total but just two goals.

Both teams played evenly in the first half, with both teams taking eight shots and four corner kicks in the opening period. The two teams traded shots early, and Sacramento State had two chances early forcing Fresno State goaltender Angie Larsen into a save in the ninth minute before sending a Sarah Howard header into the arms of Larsen.

Starting the second half almost immediately at a disadvantage, Andrea Alires was given a red card after a physical play on a run made by Sacramento State's Kelly Novak. The Bulldogs then turned back five shots by the Hornets in the next five minutes as Sacramento State used the momentum to their advantage.

Leaning on their seniors, Fresno State stopped that offensive run by Sacramento State and then scored on their own in the 63rd minute, when a shot by Amanda Reyes bounced back to senior Erika Sugano just outside the penalty box who put the ball home to give the Bulldogs the advantage.

Fresno State added a second goal eight minutes later at 70:24 again off of the play of Sugano when the midfielder's direct kick bounced off of goaltender Mandy Trojan, and Nicole Gutierrez lifted the rebound into the net following the shot.

Even with the two-goal lead, the game was in doubt late with the Bulldogs playing a man short. With 10 minutes remaining, Sacramento State was awarded a penalty kick, but Angie Larsen made a diving stop and Selena Gill cleared the ball from the area to keep the Hornets scoreless.

"This was an exciting game," said head coach Steve Springthorpe. "It's not every day that you can score two goals when you're a man down, especially against a team that's as good as Sacramento State. I think it showed a lot of resolve from our team."

Fresno State continues a busy week with two more home games. The Bulldogs host Pacific on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. before playing UC Riverside on Friday at 7 p.m. Both games will be held at Bulldog Stadium.