Bulldogs earn 2-1 win at Air Force

Sunday, September 26

USAF Academy, CO

11 A.M. PT

Fresno State

3-3-3, 1-0-1

Air Force

4-4-1, 1-1-0

Fresno St.

Air Force

Photo by: FRESNO STATE BRAND STRATEGY AND MARKETING - PHOTO BY CARY EDMONDSON

Bulldogs earn 2-1 win at Air Force

9/26/2021 3:18:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Josh Mitchell / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

USAF ACADEMY, Colo. – Behind goals from a pair of freshmen, Fresno State earned its first win of Mountain play on Sunday afternoon, defeating Air Force 2-1 at the Cadet Soccer Stadium. Kaelyn Miller and Jaylyn Wright scored less than seven minutes apart midway through the match to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead with 40 minutes to play.

Fresno State moved to 3-3-3 on the year, 1-0-1 in the MW. The 'Dogs sit in a tie for third in the conference after the opening weekend.

How It Happened
Both sides came out looking to strike early but it was Kassandra Ceja who had Air Force scrambling in the opening 20 minutes. The sophomore got free multiple times but was unable to find the back of the net or link up with a teammate.

With seven of the half's eight shots coming in the opening 22 minutes, teams began to settle in from that point on. Then Fresno State broke through shortly before halftime. In the 42^nd minute, Haley Espinoza slid a pass down the right sideline into the path of Sheyenne Hodge. The junior one-touched a pass in front of goal where Kaelyn Miller settled, made a turn and snuck her shot inside the post with her left foot.

The 'Dogs doubled their advantage just over three minutes into the second. Jaylyn Wright held off a defender 35 yards out before turning back to the Air Force goal. The freshman took two dribbles and ripped a shot into the top right corner beyond the outstretched Sammi Bych.

The Falcons nearly cut into the deficit in the 69^th minute. A through ball got to an opener attacker inside the box, leading to an apparent goal but offside was flagged as the 'Dogs held their line.

Air Force's pressure led to seven shots during the final 36 minutes, the last finding the back of the net in the waning minutes.

Scoring Summary
41:22 – FS – Kaelyn Miller (Sheyenne Hodge, Haley Espinoza)
48:12 – FS – Jaylyn Wright
88:06 – AF – Faith Lee

Notes

Fresno State is 1-0-1 through its opening two matches of conference play, its best start through two games in Mountain West play since joining the league in 2012 (2-0-0).
The Bulldogs are 3-0-0 this season when scoring first.
Fresno State won its first match when being outshot (10-6).
Averaging 6.3 corners per game, the 'Dogs did not earn a corner for the first time this season.
Kaelyn Miller and Jaylyn Wright each scored their second goal of the year.
Haley Espinoza recorded her second assist of the year while Sheyene Hodge had her first, both coming on Miller's goal.

Up Next
The Bulldogs return home on Friday to host Colorado State at 7 p.m. PT 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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