'Dogs drop MW opener to Falcons, 1-0

Friday, September 27

Fresno, CA

7:00 PM PT

Fresno State

4-3-1

Air Force

6-1

Air Force

Fresno State

'Dogs drop MW opener to Falcons, 1-0

9/27/2019 10:42:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Taylor Martinez / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif.– The Fresno State women's soccer team came up short in its Mountain West opener against Air Force on Friday night, falling to the Falcons 1-0 in the Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium.

"There was a big call that didn't go our way," head coach Brian Zwaschka said. "Beyond that, I think it's about us making sure that we don't make so many, even small mistakes that add up to us not capitalizing on what we're capable of. We created chances, we created danger. I give credit to Air Force for keeping the ball in the net, because I'm not sure how they did in some instances. So we're going to recover and do our travel and make up for it on Sunday."

The Bulldogs suffered their second shutout of the season after the Falcons scored on a penalty kick in the second half. Despite five Fresno State shots in the last 25 minutes of the game, the Bulldogs could not erase the one-goal deficit.

Fresno State falls to 4-3-1 (0-1-0 MW) on the season.

Tori Nicolo, Kylie Lucero, Audrey Reyna, Megan Amick, Lorena Montanes, Sydni Lunt, Kasidee Wiley, Robyn McCarthy, Emma Chives, and Danielle Pacheco chalked the start, with Milena Zink in goal.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs and the Falcons exchanged shots to open the game. Both teams had opportunities on offense, but were unable to gain the advantage.

Air Force had the chance to take the lead in the 42^ndminute when Emiley Benner has a look at the goal, but Zink pulled off an amazing save by punching the ball up and over the crossbar to keep the match tied into the half.

After 45 minutes,, Air Force owns the advantage in shots 4-3 and corner kicks 4-1. Both goalkeepers grabbed one save apiece.

Air Force took the first shot of the half in the 54^thminute, but the Bulldogs' defense was able to block it in the box.

The Falcons weren't able to get a shot off after back-to-back corner shots, but with a foul on the Bulldog goalkeeper they had an opportunity with a penalty kick. Lexi Romero converted the penalty kick to give the Falcons a 1-0 advantage in the 58^thminute.

The Bulldogs outshout the Falcons 5-1 to finish the match, but were unable to score the equalizer to push the match into overtime.

NOTABLES

Fresno State owned the advantage in shots 10-8.
Air Force owned the advantage in saves 3-1.
Both teams took eight corner kicks apiece.
Ele Avery logged a season-high two shots.
Robyn McCarthy and Jordan Brown both tied their season-highs with two shots apiece.
Fresno State lost to Air Force for the first time in Fresno, Calif.
Fresno State is 1-5-2 in Mountain West openers.

WHAT'S NEXT
Fresno State will go on the road to face Colorado College on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 12 p.m. PT.

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