'Dogs host defending champions Santa Clara in final exhibition match

FRESNO, Calif. – With nine days of practice, two intrasquad scrimmages and an exhibition two days ago, Fresno State will host defending national champion, and preseason No. 2, Santa Clara in its final tune-up match before the regular season begins Thursday at Oregon. Unlike the 2018 season when the Bulldogs also played an exhibition match against the defending champion (Stanford), the 'Dogs will play this one on its home field at the Fresno State Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT and will occur during the second half of the department's Centennial Celebration (5-9 p.m.).

Game Info
Date: Saturday, Aug. 14
Time: 7 p.m. PT
Where: Fresno State Soccer Stadium (Fresno, Calif.)
Live Video: Mountain West Network
Live Stats: Statbroadcast

100 years of Bulldog athletics
Fresno State Athletics' Centennial Celebration will be held on Aug. 14 from 5-9 p.m. PT at Bulldog BLVD, presented by Toyota, and the Bulldogs' Soccer Stadium. The celebration will feature various Fresno Street Eats food trucks, beer and wine sales in the Bob Bennett Stadium concourse, live music from 5-7 p.m., and the Fresno State soccer team hosting defending national champion Santa Clara at 7 p.m. PT in an exhibition match. Additionally, exclusive centennial posters will be given away to the first 1,000 fans in attendance and the Bulldog Football team, who kicks off their season Aug. 28 at home against UConn, will make an appearance to join the Red Wave in supporting the soccer program.

The Centennial Celebration, as well as the soccer match, are free to attend and parking will be available in the Red Lot.

Bulldogs at a glance

Fresno State brought back 15 players from a team that finished 6-3-1 during the spring in a Mountain West-only shortened season. Eight played in all 10 games while another five made appearances in nine games.
The 19 points Fresno State earned was second-most in the West Division and third-most overall in the Mountain West. It was their second-highest finish since joining the conference.
Of the 15 returners, all three of Fresno State's All-MW First Team selections will be back on the pitch (Kassandra Ceja, Robyn McCarthy, Lorena Montanes).
Fresno State brings 11 new faces into the fold this season. Kansas transfer Chais Wright has been with the team since the winter while Fresno City College transfer Megan Galvan joined the squad during the summer along with a nine-member freshman class.

Scouting the Broncos

Santa Clara capped off the spring by capturing the program's second national championship, defeating Florida State 4-1 in penalty kicks on May 17, 2021.
The Broncos finished last season with a 10-1-1 record. Statistically, they ranked seventh in the country with 2.5 goals per game and sixth with 7.3 points per game.
Alex Loera won the Honda Award and was Second Team All-America for the 2020 season. She claimed her second consecutive West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year award and was also the College Cup Defensive Most Outstanding Player. Kelsey Turnbow, the College Cup Offensive Most Outstanding Player after scoring the game-tying tally in the title game, led the high-powered Santa Clara offense with 10 goals and 24 points. She was a Third Team All-American and Top Drawer Soccer's Player of the Year. Izzy D'Aquila scored eight goals last season and added three assists while being named First Team All-West Region. Sally Menti, the WCC Freshman of the Year, led the Broncos with six assists and added two goals. Marlee Nicolos held a 0.78 GAA and posting a .780 save percentage. She picked up six shutouts in the Broncos 11 matches.

Defending champs headed to Fresno
Saturday will mark the Broncos first game since winning the 2020 NCAA Women's College Cup on May 17, 2021. Santa Clara is ranked No. 2 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll.

It will be the second time since 2018 that Fresno State has played a defending national champion during the preseason. The 'Dogs traveled to No. 1 Stanford before opening the 2018 campaign.
Santa Clara will be the first top-five team to play in Fresno since No. 4 UCLA traveled to the Central Valley during the 2012 regular season.

Two exhibitions and then it begins
Following exhibition matches against Cal Poly (Aug. 11) and No. 2 Santa Clara (Aug. 14), Fresno State will open the 2021 season on Aug. 19 against Oregon in Eugene, Ore.

Tickets on sale now
2021 Bulldog soccer deposits are now available. Featuring eight home games this fall, season tickets are $42 for adults and $30 for youth (under 18) or seniors (65+). Single game tickets throughout the season are $7 for adults, $5 for youth and $4 for teams/groups. All tickets are general admission and will be delivered electronically.

Fans can purchase tickets online HERE or by calling 559-278-DOGS.

"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.

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'Dogs host defending champions Santa Clara in final exhibition match

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Players Mentioned

Kassandra Ceja

Megan Galvan

Robyn McCarthy

Lorena Montanes

Chais Wright

Fresno State Athletics

'Dogs host defending champions Santa Clara in final exhibition match

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Next Event

Players Mentioned

Kassandra Ceja

Megan Galvan

Robyn McCarthy

Lorena Montanes

Chais Wright

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