Three 'Dogs strike in win over Rams

Friday, October 1

Fresno, CA

7 P.M. PT

Fresno State

4-3-3, 2-0-1

Colorado State

1-5-2, 0-3-0

Colorado St.

Fresno St.

Three 'Dogs strike in win over Rams

10/1/2021 11:56:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Josh Mitchell / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

FRESNO, Calif. – In its first home conference match of the season, Fresno State did not disappoint its loyal fans, holding a one-goal lead through much of the night before burying two in the final minutes en route to a 3-0 win over Colorado State on Friday. Sophomore Kassandra Ceja had a hand in all three of the Bulldogs' goals, scoring the first and assisting on the final two.

With the win Fresno State moved to 4-3-3 overall, 2-0-1 in Mountain West play. The 'Dogs moved to second in the conference standings with seven points, two back of New Mexico.

How It Happened
Colorado State came out quick, pushing Fresno State early but it was the 'Dogs that struck first after they settled into the match. Kassandra Ceja collected a ball toward the left side of the box in 19^th minute, put her body between the ball and an oncoming Amanda Green. The Ram keeper went through the Bulldog's legs to set up penalty kick. The sophomore buried her second spot kick of the year, sending Green the wrong direction.

CSU found one of its best opportunities come in the 62^nd minutes as Sarah Hogenkamp got behind the Fresno State defense. The Ram went low toward the left post across the face of goal but Ella Wilson came up with a diving stop.

In the 84^th minute, the game took a turn as Wilson slid out toward the end line to keep a ball from rolling out of play. With the ball controlled, Haylee Blach ran toward the keeper and kicked the ball out of her hands. The Ram was shown her second yellow card of the night, and subsequent red card for the offense, thus putting CSU down a player for the final minutes.

Two minutes later, the Bulldogs capitalized. Robyn McCarthy found Ceja on the right flank where the striker whipped a dangerous ball into the box. It took a deflection off a defender and fell to Sam Tristan. The freshman settled the bouncing ball and chipped toward the right post from eight yards out to double Fresno State's advantage.

Less than 70 seconds later, Bailee Kern made it 3-0 as she got on the end of a Ceja corner, popping the ball inside the right post from the edge of the six-yard box.

Scoring Summary
19:25 – FS – Kassandra Ceja (PK)
85:34 – FS – Sam Tristan (Kassandra Ceja, Robyn McCarthy)
86:48 – FS – Bailee Kern (Kassandra Ceja)

Notes

The Bulldogs extended their home unbeaten streak to 13 matches (10-0-3), a mark that dates back to Oct. 3, 2019.
Fresno State's seven points through its first three matches in conference play is tied for its best start since joining the Mountain West in 2012.
The Bulldogs' earned their third combined shutout of the season, and fourth overall.
Fresno State has won its last two matches despite being outshot.
Kassandra Ceja recorded at least four points in a game for the second time this season.
Ceja's two assists were a career-high.
Sam Tristan scored her second goal of the season.
Bailee Kern netted the third goal of her career, and first of the season. All three of her goals have come off corner kicks.
Robyn McCarthy recorded her first assist of the year and 12^th of her career.

Up Next
Game Two of Fresno State's home weekend sees the Bulldogs host Wyoming on Sunday at noon at the Fresno State Soccer Stadium. Fans can purchase tickets online HERE.

"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 visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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