Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
1-6-0
Sacramento State
2-5-0
Bulldogs Shut Out Sacramento State 1-0
9/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
By Jason Kelm
jakelm@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - With a combination of patience on defense and aggressiveness on offense, the Fresno State soccer team earned its first victory of the season, beating Sacramento State (2-5-0) 1-0 at Hornet Field on Sunday afternoon.
"Coming off our last match, we knew we had to play with a lot more energy than we previously showed," Fresno State head coach Brian Zwaschka said. "We also knew it was going to come down to team solidarity and it was important that everyone contributed."
The Bulldogs (1-6-0) did just that as a trio of sophomores combined for Fresno State's first score in the 31st minute as Peyton Cline took a pass inside the box from Ashari Hines, who received the ball from Amanda Nunes on a free kick from the right side. It was Cline's first career goal.
"I just happened to be in the right place at the right time," Cline said. "It feels amazing to get that first win."
This was Fresno State's first shutout since Oct. 3, 2014, when the Bulldogs beat UNLV 1-0.
"One of the things that we wanted to focus on was the idea of not allowing free opportunities to the other team," Zwaschka said. "Part of conceding goals is when you don't get the blocks in and you don't get pressure on the ball."
During the first half of the game, the 'Dogs controlled the ball and showed a fight that had been lacking this season.
"The difference between this game and the last six was our fight," Cline said. "We were out there playing aggressively and showing that we really wanted this. I think our losses were hindering us and keeping us down and we had to find that fight within us."
Sophomore goalkeeper Domenique Banta earned the second shutout of her career as she saved seven, a season-high for the team.
"Dominique was solid," Zwaschka added. "She was very vocal and kept our defense organized. As far as the shots on goal that she faced, she had time to get her feet set and had time to get her hands up, thanks to that solid defensive organization."
The Bulldogs were outshot by the Hornets 17-15, including 7-5 in shots on goal. Sacramento State also led in corner kicks 9-4.
Yellow cards were received by sophomore Sara Jo Ciapponi and senior Rianna Cota in the first half. Cota earned a second yellow card with three minutes remaining from a delay of game.
"It feels awesome to get a win," Zwaschka said. "But as much as we're going to celebrate and enjoy it, we know that we have to keep building and that we have more to work on. This is a really important step in preparation for conference play."
What's Next
Fresno State and University of the Pacific are expected to reschedule last Friday's postponed game to a date in the near future.
The Bulldogs will open conference play Sept. 25 at Colorado State followed by a Sept. 27 match at Wyoming.
"Be Bold" - Stay connected with the Bulldogs on Facebook (Fresno State Athletics), Instagram (FresnoStateAthletics), Twitter (@FSAthletics) and Snapchat (FSAthletics).
Team Stats
CLINE, Peyton (1)
Assisted By: HINES, Ashari , NUNES, Amanda
Off free kick shot in box redirected in
31:38
