Hodge goal lifts 'Dogs past Aggies

Friday, October 8

Logan, UT

12 P.M. PT

Fresno State

6-3-3, 4-0-1

Utah State

9-4-1, 2-3-0

Fresno St.

Utah St.

Photo by: Armando Carreno

Hodge goal lifts 'Dogs past Aggies

10/8/2021 4:08:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Josh Mitchell / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

LOGAN, Utah. – Riding a three-match win streak, a little adversity on the road was no problem for the Fresno State women's soccer team on Friday afternoon. Trailing for the sixth time this season, the Bulldogs scored twice in the final half hour to leave Utah State with a 2-1 win following Sheyenne Hodge's game-winning header in the 80^th minute.

The win moved Fresno State atop the league for the time being, one point ahead New Mexico who plays at Nevada tonight. The 'Dogs are 6-3-3, 4-0-1 in league play.

How It Happened
The Aggies came out aggressive, nearly finding the back of the net in the opening minute. Kami Warner got by the defense and had a 1v1 with Vivas but her shot toward the upper left knocked away by Valentina Vivas. Utah State continued its pressure and it paid off for the home side as Bizzy Arevalo cut off a back pass in the sixth minute and dumped a shot over an onrushing Vivas.

Utah State remained on the front foot early until Fresno State began to settle into the game midway through the half. Jordan Brown hit a crossbar. Jaylyn Wright pushed a far post look just wide. The intensity was picking up on the offensive end and it proved to just be a matter of time.

The 'Dogs didn't let up in the second, dominating the half while outshooting the Aggies 11-4 and forcing them into eight fouls. In the 64^th minute, Kassandra Ceja took two defenders to the corner, cut and split them before darting into the box where Alex Day was forced to commit one of those fouls. The sophomore calmly made knocked in her third penalty kick of the season, leaving Diera Walton leaning the wrong direction.

In the 80^th minute, five minutes after reentering the game, Sheyenne Hodge put the Bulldogs ahead. Coming off a throw-in, Brown delivered a pin-point cross to the top of the six that Hodge headed in past Walton.

Scoring Summary
5:00 – USU – Bizzy Arevalo (Ashley Cardozo)
63:45 – FS – Kassandra Ceja (PK)
79:31 – FS – Sheyenne Hodge (Jordan Brown)

Notes

Fresno State won its fourth straight match and are unbeaten in its last eight.
Friday's win was the Bulldogs' first when trailing in a game. The 'Dogs were previously 0-3-2 when trailing this season.
Kassandra Ceja tallied her seventh goal of the season and fourth in Mountain West play.
Ceja is 3-for-3 on penalty kicks this season. The sophomore earned all three of those spot kicks.
Sheyenne Hodge scored her second goal of the season and first-career game winner.
Jordan Brown's assist on Hodge's goal was her third in the last two games.

Up Next
The Bulldogs head to Boise State to face the Broncos on Sunday. Kickoff is set for noon PT at Boas Soccer Complex.

"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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