'Dogs earn double overtime draw on Senior Night, MW Tournament bid

Friday, October 26

Fresno, Calif.

7 P.M. PT

Fresno State

7-9-3

San Jose State

7-7-4

OT 3

OT 4

Fresno State

'Dogs earn double overtime draw on Senior Night, MW Tournament bid

10/27/2018 12:07:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Taylor Martinez / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State women's soccer team earned a spot in the 2018 Mountain West Championship Tournament after posting a 0-0 double overtime draw against San Jose State, Friday night. The Bulldogs head to the postseason for the second consecutive season. Senior goalkeeper Nicole Theroux had an outstanding performance on Senior Night, tying her career-high with 11 saves.

"We knew we would advance to the postseason with a win or tie, but we told our team not to go into the game trying to get the tie," said head coach Brian Zwaschka. "We wanted them to go into the game with the mindset of winning the game, but a tie works out for us. We weren't prolific on offense, but our goalkeeping was excellent tonight and our back line was sturdy. We are happy to have the opportunity to keep playing, we look forward to the tournament!"

Fresno State finished the 2018 regular season with an overall record of 6-9-4 (5-3-3 MW).

HOW IT HAPPENED
Olivia Muhrbeck, Megan Amick, Sydni Lunt, Alyssa Nishikawa, Ele Avery, Melissa Ellis, Maria Gomez, Robyn McCarthy, Danielle Pacheco and Danielle Pacheco chalked the start for the 'Dogs, with Nicole Theroux in the box.

SJSU attacked first taking six consecutive shots, five on goal. Theroux was a wall for the 'Dogs making five saves in a 10 minute span.

Avery took the first shot for the 'Dogs in the 13^th minute, but the Spartan's goalie lunged for her first save of the night.

The Spartans held the momentum on offense, but Fresno State's defense held tough for the remainder of the first half. SJSU took 13 shots, but Theroux and the back line kept the Spartans off the scoreboard to keep it 0-0 at halftime.

SJSU owned the advantage in shots (13-2) and corner kicks (5-1). Fresno State recorded more saves, Theroux had a stellar performance in the goal with eight saves in the first 45 minutes.

The Spartans took the first shot of the second half, but Theroux picked up where she left off grabbing her ninth save of the game.

Avery nearly gave the 'Dogs a lead in the 72^nd minute when she shot from the right side, but the ball bounced off the inside of the goal post out of the goal and into the box. Avery took another shot in the 87^th minute, but the SJSU defense blocked the shot to keep the match scoreless and send it into overtime.

Fresno State went into overtime with a bid to the 2018 MW Championship Tournament on the line, while SJSU went into overtime with a piece of the 2018 MW regular season championship on the line.

The 'Dogs were not able to get a shot off in overtime, but Theroux sent the game into double overtime when she saved the Spartan's shot in the 92^nd minute.

SJSU went for the win one last time in the 106^th minute, but Theroux was relentless in the goal. After 110 minutes, the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

NOTABLES

San Jose State owned the advantage in shots (25-4) and corner kicks (7-3). Fresno State recorded more saves 11-1.
Nicole Theroux tied her career-high with 11 saves.
Ele Avery took all four of Fresno State's shots.
Fresno State advances to the postseason for the second consecutive season.
Fresno State has not lost a match since Oct. 5.

WHAT'S NEXT
Fresno State will travel to San Jose, Calif. for the 2018 MW Championship Tournament. The Bulldogs will be the No. 5 seed, they will face San Jose State in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, Oct. 30.

"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.