Underclassmen lead Bulldogs in 1-0 shutout of Colorado College

Friday, October 21

Colorado Springs, Colo.

2 p.m. PT

Fresno State

3-5-18-8-1 / MW

Colorado College

3-6-07-10-0 / MW

Fresno State

Colorado College

Underclassmen lead Bulldogs in 1-0 shutout of Colorado College

10/21/2016 4:32:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Play by Play (PDF)Combined Season Stats (PDF)Combined Conference Stats (PDF)

Freshman midfielder Sydni Lunt scored the game-winning goal off a free kick by sophomore defender Olivia Muhrbeck in the 25th minute

By: Jason Kelm / Communications Assistant

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Fresno State women's soccer team shut out Colorado College 1-0 for the second-straight year on Friday afternoon at Washburn Field in Colorado Springs, Colo., to stay in the hunt for the Mountain West Championship.

Fresno State freshman midfielder Sydni Lunt scored the game-winning goal in the 25th minute, her third score of the season and second game-winner.

"We are pleased to finally put together a road performance that got us a positive result," Fresno State head coach Brian Zwaschka said. "The solidarity in the team was so important today and the spirit required to close the match was paramount."

The Bulldogs (8-8-1, 3-5-1 MW) were on the attack early, as junior forward Myra Delgadillo was able to find herself in good position to get two shots on goal in the eighth minute, but neither was able to make it past the Tigers' freshman goalkeeper Molly Hiniker. Delgadillo would strike again at the 15-minute mark, but could not put it in the net.

A short time later, Colorado College (7-10-0, 3-6-0) was in a one-on-one situation against Fresno State redshirt freshman goalkeeper Alex Best, who started her third conference game for the Bulldogs, and made a dive to her left to notch her only save opportunity of the half.

In the 25th minute, Bulldog sophomore defender Olivia Muhrbeck took a free kick from the right side near midfield and sent it straight into the box to find Lunt, whose score gave the Bulldogs the deciding 1-0 lead. At the half, the 'Dogs owned advantages in both shots (5-4) and shots on goal (4-1).

Fresno State sophomore goalkeeper Nicole Theroux began the second half protecting the net for the 'Dogs, her ninth appearance this season. She would finish the match with one save and complete the Bulldog shutout.

"Our goalkeeping unit agreed that we are going to do this together," Zwaschka said. "We look at it like we have to support whoever is in the net for us and all three goalkeepers have impressed us this week in practice to merit each being able to contribute in games. The whole unit got a shutout today and it was exactly what we needed."

Throughout the second half, the Tigers outshot Fresno State 5-2, but placed only one on goal that went straight to Theroux in the 49th minute. This was the third game this season that the Bulldogs allowed their opponent two or fewer shots on goal.

"The support and cover we displayed for eachother defensively was the difference in the game," Zwaschka added. "We've conceded too many goals in conference play and that is down to losing focus on what gets results. We've refocused ourselves and obviously need it to stick in future games as well."

Delgadillo led the 'Dogs with four shots in the match, while Lunt, sophomore Alyssa Nishikawa and freshman Julia Glaser added one a piece.

"We have so many young players contributing big minutes and solid play that we enjoy being surprised in most games," Zwaschka said. "They collectively continue to contribute and we keep pushing for the consistency."

In the game, Fresno State recorded the least amount of shots (7) in a win since notching six in a 1-0 victory over UNLV on Oct. 3, 2014; the Bulldogs' six shutouts this season are the most since shutting out seven teams in 2013.

Next, the 'Dogs travel to Air Force on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. PT and return home next Thursday to face San Jose State on Senior Night.

at Air Force (7-6-2, 3-4-1 MW) (Sun., Oct. 23, 2016, 10:30 a.m. PT) – 2015: 4-14-1, 2-8-1 MW
All-time: Fresno State leads 5-1-0
At USAF Academy: Fresno State leads 2-1-0
Under Zwaschka: Fresno State leads 4-1-0
Last meeting: Fresno State 1, Air Force 0 (10/11/2015 – Fresno, Calif.)
Last meeting at USAF Academy: Air Force 4, Fresno State 0 (10/24/2014)

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.