Fresno State Athletics
Gutierrez Records Hat Trick in Win
9/28/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 28, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - Nicole Gutierrez has been looking forward to playing at home for along time. After playing six straight games on the road, Fresno State returned to Bulldog Stadium and defeated UTEP 3-2 thanks to a hat trick by Gutierrez.
"Home is where it is at," Gutierrez said. "I take a lot of pride in playing at home. We came out here and put it together. We told ourselves we were going to come out and do it. All around, we just had a great team effort."
The Bulldog striker finished the game with eight shots, six coming on goal. She always found herself winning balls and getting to the goal through out the entire contest.
"Nikki was on fire tonight," Fresno State coach Steve Springthorpe said. "Everything she put on target was going in. She was strong on the ball and turning defenders. This was probably the best game I have seen Nikki play. She was all over the field. I am really happy for her."
The victory upped Fresno State to 4-4 while UTEP dropped to 6-3-1. The Bulldogs dominated the game from the outset and out shot the Miners 24-15. Fresno State had 13 shots on goal to UTEP's five.
Fresno State led 3-0 with five minutes left in the match before UTEP made the game interesting by netting goals in the 86th and 88th minutes.
"That was a learning moment for our team," Springthorpe said. "When we went up 3-0 the team thought it was over. Give UTEP credit, they fought. They got a goal and said, `Hey lets get another one.' We just have to handle that better and understand how to close out a game."
Despite the late goals from the Miners, Springthorpe was pleased with the energy his team played with for the entire contest. Prior to Friday's match UTEP had outscored its opponents 27-11.
"We defended with a lot of heart," Springthorpe said. "Bradlee DeShane, on the left side, tackled hard and won a bunch of balls for us. Andrea (Alires) did a good job of winning balls early and distributing out of the back. Outside the last five minutes I was really happy with what they did defensively."
Gutierrez scored her first goal in the 24th minute when she fired a shot from 30-yards out on the right side of the field. The ball bounced off the left post and into the goal.
In the 54th minute, Gutierrez got behind several defenders inside the box on a free kick taken by Alires from near midfield and headed the ball into the net.
"It was a great individual effort on Nikki's part," Springthorpe said. "She got behind the defense, jumped up high and flicked it. She was good all night flicking balls. It was also a great serve by Andrea. She put it right on her head."
Gutierrez tallied the final goal in the 84th minute when she headed a cross from Megan Tennant.
"We had a great 85 minutes," Springthorpe said. "You can't take away from that. We played hard and with a lot of passion.
The Bulldogs host Cal-State Fullerton on Sunday at 2 p.m.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" -The Fresno State Soccer team continues play at home this Sunday, September 30 against Cal State Fullerton at 2 p.m. Bring your September 29th football ticket stub to the Bulldog Ticket Office and receive a free ticket to the soccer game. Also be sure to bring your camera for Picture Day to get your picture with your favorite Fresno State soccer players on the field after the game. Tickets are available at the Bulldog Ticket Office or by phone at 559-278-DOGS.
