Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Fresno Pacific (Exhibition)
Bulldogs Tie Fresno Pacific
8/18/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 18, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - In what was a spirited exhibition game, the Fresno State women's team soccer tied Fresno Pacific 2-2 on Saturday at Ramirez Field. The Bulldogs' held a 2-1 lead going into the final period but Fresno Pacific scored a goal in the 71st minute to tie the contest. The two teams played three 30 minute periods, allowing both coaches to play with a variety of lineups.
"The game was very competitive," Fresno State coach Steve Springthorpe said. "Tonight they played us equal. They played straight up on us and made it hard for us. This game is good for the community. We both have local players on the team. The fans are interested in what is going on. I want to continue to do this."
Both teams combined to score three goals in a three minute span in the first 30-minute period.
After a Fresno Pacific goal by Jeanna Ruble on a free kick in the 18th minute, Chelsea Davis connected on a penalty kick less than a minute later to tie the game at 1-1. In the 20th minute, Nicole Gutierrez put the Bulldogs on top when she knocked in a ball with her left foot as she fell to the ground.
After a scoreless second period, Fresno Pacific's Brittany Lamar knotted the game at 2-2 when she booted in a corner kick just inside the 18 on a pass from Diana Ortega in the 71st minute.
"Overall it is not bad for our first time out," Springthorpe said. "As a team, we played hard but we didn't play well together. That is the nature of the fact that we lost a lot of players last year. We have some new players and even some returning players that are getting some game time."
Springthorpe added that he was pleased with the play Gutierrez, Amanda Reyes and Chris Gilbert.
"Amanda was tough tonight," Springthorpe said. "She won tackles and she served some great balls in the box. Nicole was good around the box and she was strong holding the ball for us and in turning corners. Chris hadn't played in the back for over two years and she did a good job. Then when we put her in the midfield she won balls for us."
The Bulldogs return to action on August 25 in their final exhibition game against Cal Poly. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.
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