Nizzoli Goal Lifts Bulldogs to Overtime

Friday, September 19

Boulder, Colo.

2:00 PM

Fresno State

2-5-0

Denver (University of Colorado Tournament)

6-1-1

OT 2

Fresno State

Denver

Nizzoli Goal Lifts Bulldogs to Overtime

9/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Sept. 19, 2008

Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State women's soccer team lost 3-2 in overtime to Denver University in their first game at the Colorado Classic Tournament. Ali Sill and Molly Nizzoli scored come from behind goals to force overtime against the Pioneers.

The Bulldogs trailed the Pioneers, 1-0, after Dana Schonberger scored with one touch passed Kaitlyn Revel in the 38th minute of play. Mariah Johnston recorded the assist on the goal.

"We went down 2-0, but they never stopped pressuring the ball," said Coach Steve Springthorpe. "The last 20 minutes the team played great and showed great character by never giving up."

Nicole Gutierrez and Nizzoli kept the Bulldogs alive with several shots at Pioneer goalkeeper Mackenzie Snyder.

The Pioneers entered halftime with a 1-0 lead over the Bulldogs.

The pioneers increased their lead with a goal from Lizzy Carlson. Johnston had the assist recording her second assist of the game.

In the second half the Bulldogs continued taking shots at the Pioneer goalkeeper. Sill took a free kick and scored in the 67th minute of play bringing the Bulldogs within one goal.

"Ali had a beautiful goal in the second half," said Springthorpe. "She bent the ball around the wall and placed it perfectly passed the goalie."

A physical match between the two teams resulted in a total of 34 fouls and two yellow cards.

After a scramble in the box, Nizzoli scored the equalizing goal in the 86th minute. Nizzoli's goal forced play into sudden death overtime.

"Again Molly came through late in the game giving us the tying goal," Springthorpe.

Fresno State was given a yellow card after a scramble in the box. The referee called a foul on the Bulldogs giving the Pioneers a penalty kick. Bria Beardsley slipped the ball past Revel, earning the go ahead goal.

"You hate to see a tough battle like this game end with a penalty kick in overtime," said Springthorpe. "Denver did what they needed to do to come away with the win."

The Bulldogs had opportunities winning the game. An early shot in over time from Megan Ashjian almost went in, but the Pioneer goalie was able to make the save.

Revel had six saves in the match and the Bulldogs recorded a total of 15 shots.

The Bulldogs face tournament host Colorado Sunday at noon pacific time.

"Join the State, Fresno State!" - The Bulldogs hit the road for the University of Colorado Tournament September 19-21. The Bulldogs battle Denver on Friday, September 19 at 1:00 p.m. and Colorado on Sunday, September 21 at 12:00 p.m. The `Dogs return home on Friday, September 26 against Seattle University at 7:00 p.m. September is Youth Soccer Month. All youth soccer players 8th grade and under who wear their jerseys get in for free and their rest of the family is admitted for $2 per person. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.