Fresno State drops a close match to UCSB, 2-1

Thursday, September 6

Fresno, Calif.

7 P.M. PT

Fresno State

1-4-1

UC Santa Barbara

6-1

UCSB

Fresno State

Fresno State drops a close match to UCSB, 2-1

9/6/2018 11:15:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Taylor Martinez / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State women's soccer team fell in a close match to UCSB on Thursday night, 2-1. Melissa Ellis led the Bulldogs with her second goal of the season.

"It wasn't the result wanted, but we executed a lot of the little things we've been working on," said head coach Brian Zwaschka. "I couldn't have asked for more out of the first half. We knew they were going to come out strong in the second half. If it wasn't for a failed clearance in the box, we were doing a good job of keeping them out of scoring position. A good team like UCSB is going to going to take its chances, and they did. We need to show more poise and composure down the stretch in close matches. We need to rebound right away and get ready for Saint Mary's, we'll be ready to go on Sunday."

The Bulldogs fall to 1-4-1 on the season, 0-1-1 at home.

FIRST HALF
Tori Nicolo, Olivia Muhrbeck, Megan Amick, Alyssa Nishikawa, Melissa Ellis, Maria Gomez, Shantay Tamez, Robyn McCarthy, Emma Chivers and Danielle Pacheco logged the start for the 'Dogs, with Nicole Theroux in the goal.

Fresno State started on the attack, taking its first shot on goal in first minute. The 'Dogs took a 1-0 lead in the second minute when Ellis scored from the top of the box, unassisted.

UCSB took its first shot in the fifth minute, Theroux was there for the save. The Gauchos took another shot in the 12^th minute, but the Fresno State defense was able to block it.

An offside call against UCSB led to back-to-back corner kicks for Fresno State, Muhrbeck took both of them.

Theroux grabbed her second save of the game in the 29^th minute and third in the 32^nd, to keep the Gauchos scoreless.

UCSB nearly evened the score when Shaelan Murison's shot hit the crossbar in the 44^th minute.

At the half, Fresno State recorded more saves (4-1). UCSB owned the advantage in shots (9-2). Both teams recorded two corner kicks.

SECOND HALF
Marie Berwinkel-Kottman checked in as goalkeeper for Fresno State to start the second half.

Fresno State tried to keep the momentum on offense, taking the first shot on goal of the half in the 46^th minute, but the UCSB goalkeeper was there for the save.

The Gauchos kick-started their offense with a corner kick and two shots on goal within two minutes, but Berwinkel-Kottman was there for the saves. UCSB tied the game when Ryan Kokoska scored in the 51^st minute.

Fresno State attempted to retake the lead in the 66^th minute, when a corner kick led to a shot from Kasidee Wiley. The shot hit the crossbar, keeping the score 1-1.

In the 75^th minute, Murison scored on a penalty kick. The Gauchos took a 2-1 lead into the final 15 minutes of the match.

The 'Dogs had a chance to even the score in the 80^th minute when Ele Avery took a shot in the 79^th minute, the Gaucho goalie was there for the save.

Fresno State took two more shots on goal in the 82^nd and 85^th minute, before time expired with the Gauchos ahead 2-1.

NOTABLE STATS
Fresno State recorded more saves on the match (7-6). UCSB owned the advantage shots (16-8) and corner kicks (5-4).

Melissa Ellis led the 'Dogs with one goal on one shot. Ele Avery had a team-high two shots on goal in the match.

WHAT'S NEXT
Fresno State will travel to face Saint Mary's on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 3:30 p.m. PT.

"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.