Miller goal sends 'Dogs into first

Thursday, October 14

Fresno, CA

7 P.M. PT

Fresno State

7-4-3, 5-1-1

San Diego State

6-9-0, 4-3-0

San Diego St.

Fresno St.

Photo by: Keith Kountz

Miller goal sends 'Dogs into first

10/14/2021 11:11:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Josh Mitchell / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

FRESNO, Calif. – Scoreless through 107 minutes, Kaelyn Miller walked it off on Thursday night for Fresno State as she followed up a blocked a header with a right-footed rebound on the doorstep that found the back of the net. The 1-0 win over San Diego State propelled the Bulldogs into sole possession of first place in the Mountain West.

Fresno State (7-4-3, 5-1-1) moved three points clear of New Mexico who dropped a 1-0 result earlier in the day in San Jose. The Spartans and Aztecs are tied for third with 12 points.

How It Happened
San Diego State put Valentina Vivas to work early in the contest, producing one big save after another in the opening 20-plus minutes, but just after her third stop of the match, Jordan Brown got loose on a counter but the senior's shot from inside the penalty spot was blocked away by a sliding Aztec defender.

In the 25^th minute, Kassandra Ceja nearly got the 'Dogs on the board with a free kick from 30 yards out but the sophomore's shot pinged off the left post. The Aztecs had a 6-4 shot advantage at the half, doubling up the Bulldogs' shots on target (4-2).

Off a corner in the 66^th minute, Sam Tristan corralled a ball that was headed down, cut to left and struck a looping shot that found that the crossbar. Ceja chested down the rebound and ripped a shot to the near post that Cameron Illingworth could only push across the end line. Sheyenne Hodge took a chance off the ensuing corner, just missing left of the top corner.

Less than two minutes later, though, Anna Toohey forced a diving stop from Ella Wilson as the Aztec broke free through the Bulldog defense.

With first place on the line, neither team backed down and the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 through 90 minutes. With less than three minutes to play in the second overtime period, Miller ended the intense affair. Jaylyn Wright swung a corner into the top of the box that Tristan headed over to the right to Robyn McCarthy. The senior popped up ball to the far post that Miller got her head onto. Illingworth was able to knock away the initial attempt but the Bulldog freshman didn't miss on the rebound, driving the shot from close range up over the Aztec keeper.

Scoring Summary
107:20 – FS – Kaelyn Miller

Notes

Fresno State is unbeaten in its last 15 home matches (12-0-3), a streak that dates back to Oct. 3, 2019.
With four matches to play, this is the latest in a season that Fresno State has been in first place in the Mountain West standings.
The Bulldogs earned their fifth win all-time against the Aztecs. All five wins have come in Fresno.
Kaelyn Miller scored her first career game-winner. It was her fourth goal of the season.
Valentina Vivas tied her season high in saves with four.
The Bulldog keepers (Vivas and Ella Wilson) produced their fifth combined shutout of the year.
Vivas and Wilson combined for a season-high seven saves for the Bulldogs.

Up Next
Fresno State will host second-place New Mexico on Sunday at noon PT. Discounted $3 tickets can be purchased online only 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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