Fresno State posts 1-0 victory over UC Riverside

Sunday, September 22

Fresno, CA

12:00 PM PT

Fresno State

UC Riverside

Fresno State posts 1-0 victory over UC Riverside

9/22/2019 5:55:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Taylor Martinez / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State women's soccer team finished the weekend with a win, defeating UC Riverside 1-0, Sunday afternoon in the Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium.

"I'm really proud of how everybody grinded out," head coach Brian Zwaschka. "We knew we had to bounce back from a disappointing trip to Santa Barbara. It was great to see everybody was up for it and focused on today's job as a new target, and really glad to see us get the result."

Senior Sydni Lunt scored her first goal of the season to lead Fresno State to its second shutout of the season.

Fresno State improves to 4-2-1 (0-0-0 MW) this season.

Tori Nicolo, Kylie Lucero, Megan Amick, Lorena Montanes, Sydni Lunt, Melissa Ellis, Kasidee Wiley, Robyn McCarthy, Emma Chivers and Danielle Pacheco chalked the start, with Valentina Vivas in goal.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State came out with a fast offensive tempo with back-to-back shots on goal. UC Riverside took their first shot in the 6^th minute, but missed wide.

The Bulldogs had the chance to take the lead two consecutive corner kicks, but were unable to get a shot off.

The Highlanders made a play for the lead with a corner kick ending in a shot on goal, but Alex Best was able to make the save to keep the match knotted 0-0 at the half.

After 45 minutes, Fresno State and UC Riverside both took three shots and both grabbed two saves apiece. The Highlanders owned the advantage in corner kicks 4-3.

The Bulldogs went back on the attack with another shot on goal to open the second half, the Highlander goalkeeper recorded her fourth save of the night.

Fresno State took a 1-0 lead when Lunt scored her first goal of the season, off a pass from McCarthy through traffic in the box in the 56^th minute.

Milena Zink subbed in at goalkeeper for the Bulldogs and made a tough save in the 72^nd minute to keep the Highlanders off the board.

UC Riverside had a chance to tie the match with three consecutive corner kicks, but the Bulldogs played tough defense in the box to deny the Highlanders a shot.

Fresno State held on to possession for the last seven minutes of the match to close out the win.

"It felt great to get the game-winner," said Sydni Lunt. "I just knew I had to do whatever I could to get the ball in the goal. This was a must-win game for us."

NOTABLES

Both teams had seven shots and three saves in the match.
UC Riverside owned the advantage in corner kicks 8-6.
Fresno State had three goalkeepers record minutes, utilizing Valentina Vivas, Milena Zink and Alex Best.
Fresno State's seven shots came from seven different Bulldogs.
Sydni Lunt scored her first goal of the season.
Robyn McCarthy recorded her first assist of the season.

WHAT'S NEXT
Fresno State will host Air Force to open Mountain West play on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. PT. Admission and parking to all Fresno State women's soccer games are free of charge.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" - The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.