Bulldogs drop tight match at Pacific

Friday, September 3

Stockton, CA

7 P.M. PT

Fresno State

1-3-0, 0-0-0

Pacific

3-1-1, 0-0-0

Fresno St.

Pacific

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

Bulldogs drop tight match at Pacific

9/3/2021 9:45:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

The 'Dogs return to Fresno on Sunday to put their nine-match home unbeaten streak on the line.

By: Josh Mitchell / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

STOCKTON, Calif. – Fresno State was unable to find the back net on Friday night in Stockton, falling 1-0 to Pacific at Knoles Field. It was the Bulldogs' second one-goal defeat in their last three outings.

How It Happened
Early high pressure from Fresno State nearly saw the Bulldogs pounce on a miscue from the Tigers in the 13^th minute. Sam Tristan forced a turnover at the top of Pacific's box. Jaylyn Wright found Kassandra Ceja but the sophomore's shot skipped just wide of the post. Five minutes later, on their first corner of the evening, Ceja sent a ball into the box that Bailee Kern got her head onto, but it rung the crossbar and found the hands of Brenna Crump.

With under 10 minutes to go in the half, another corner from Ceja found the feet of Katie Dohnel but the sophomore's strike from 15 yards forced a save out of Crump. The final minute saw a late opportunity for the 'Dogs as Isabella Anderson whipped a ball in to the far post on a counter but two converging Bulldogs were unable to get on the end of it as the two teams headed into the break knotted up at 0-0.

Pacific broke the deadlock in the 60^th minute. While Fresno State looked dangerous throughout the night from its corners, the Tigers took advantage of their only one of the night. Despite the initial ball being turned away back toward the corner, Janae Packard sent a second attempt back into the six-yard box which found the head of Kelsey Oen who redirected it toward the back post.

Without a shot for the first 44 minutes of the second half, Ceja nearly grabbed equalizer for the 'Dogs with less than a minute left in regular. Fouled 30 yards from goal the sophomore sent a dipping ball toward the top right corner but it landed just on the opposite side of the bar.

Scoring Summary
59:58 - UOP - Kelsey Oen (Janae Packard)

Notes

Fresno State held a 6-0 advantage in corners until Pacific saw its first in the 60^th minute.
Both teams had just two shots on target. UOP held a 7-6 advantage in total shots.
Though it was close, Fresno State is now 0-3 on the year when being outshot.
The Bulldogs played all but eight minutes without senior captain Lorena Montanes who left the game with an injury.

Up Next
The Bulldogs return to Fresno on Sunday for their home opener where they are riding an eight-match win streak, and are unbeaten in their last nine, dating to back to 2019. Kickoff against unbeaten Saint Mary's (4-0-1) is slated for noon 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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