Fresno State Athletics
Sunday, September 5
Fresno, CA
12 P.M. PT
Fresno State
1-3-1, 0-0-0
0
vs
0
Saint Mary's
4-0-2, 0-0-0
1
2
3
4
F
Saint Mary's (CA)
0
0
0
0
0
Fresno St.
0
0
0
0
0
'Dogs draw with Gaels in home opener
9/5/2021 7:16:00 PM | Women's Soccer
FRESNO, Calif. – In a highly charged, physical match that saw temperatures hit the triple digits late, and the competition was just as heated, the Fresno State women's soccer team played out a scoreless draw on Sunday in its home opener against undefeated Saint Mary's. Late heroics came from both goalkeepers, two from Ella Wilson for the Bulldogs in the final minutes of regulation and one from Taylor Poland for the Gaels in extra time that left the teams deadlocked.
How It Happened
Dangerous from the corner, the 'Dogs produced multiple close calls for the Gaels on their first opportunity. Kassandra Ceja's ball into the box bounced at the spot and skipped out to Katie Dohnel who struck a low shot toward the near post but a Gael deflected it, but not out of danger. Chais Wright took a shot of her own but that was knocked back toward the far post where Jaylyn Wright pounced on the rebound but her one-timed shot from the six ended up just above the crossbar.
Saint Mary's saw its first big chance of the day come in the 85th minute. On a break, the Gaels slipped a runner free into the box. Flying over from her left side to meet the attacker on the right, Chais Wright was whistled for contact on the Gael after she went down and a penalty kick was awarded. Suzuna Shibukawa stepped up to take the spot kick but Wilson, who came on at halftime, was up to the task, picked right and dove to her left and pushed the attempt away.
Pushing for a goal in the final minute, Fresno State drew a corner and sent numbers forward. Bailee Kern got a look but her header dropped to Poland. A quick kick to midfield and the Gaels were back on the attack in the final seconds. One-on-one with Wilson, Alexis Gutierrez lifted her shot toward the left side but the Bulldog keeper got her hands up and knocked the ball away to send the match to extra time.
Like Saint Mary's did in the dying moments of the match, Fresno State almost snatched the win late. In the 109th minute, Jordan Brown slipped by two defenders in the box, found herself 1-v-1 with Poland but the keeper stood up the shot and pushed it away.
Notes
Fresno State will remain at home on Thursday, hosting UCSB at 7 p.m. PT. 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.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateWSOC
Instagram: FresnoStateWSOC
How It Happened
Dangerous from the corner, the 'Dogs produced multiple close calls for the Gaels on their first opportunity. Kassandra Ceja's ball into the box bounced at the spot and skipped out to Katie Dohnel who struck a low shot toward the near post but a Gael deflected it, but not out of danger. Chais Wright took a shot of her own but that was knocked back toward the far post where Jaylyn Wright pounced on the rebound but her one-timed shot from the six ended up just above the crossbar.
Saint Mary's saw its first big chance of the day come in the 85th minute. On a break, the Gaels slipped a runner free into the box. Flying over from her left side to meet the attacker on the right, Chais Wright was whistled for contact on the Gael after she went down and a penalty kick was awarded. Suzuna Shibukawa stepped up to take the spot kick but Wilson, who came on at halftime, was up to the task, picked right and dove to her left and pushed the attempt away.
Pushing for a goal in the final minute, Fresno State drew a corner and sent numbers forward. Bailee Kern got a look but her header dropped to Poland. A quick kick to midfield and the Gaels were back on the attack in the final seconds. One-on-one with Wilson, Alexis Gutierrez lifted her shot toward the left side but the Bulldog keeper got her hands up and knocked the ball away to send the match to extra time.
Like Saint Mary's did in the dying moments of the match, Fresno State almost snatched the win late. In the 109th minute, Jordan Brown slipped by two defenders in the box, found herself 1-v-1 with Poland but the keeper stood up the shot and pushed it away.
Notes
- Fresno State extended its home unbeaten streak to 10 dating back to September of 2019 (8-0-2).
- The Bulldogs sit at 1-3-1 on the season.
- Fresno State held a 6-5 edge in shots on target. Saint Mary's had the overall advantage of 14-12.
- Bailee Kern had a season-high three shots on goal.
- Ella Wilson produced four saves in the final 65 minutes after coming on at halftime.
- 22 Bulldogs played in the match.
Fresno State will remain at home on Thursday, hosting UCSB at 7 p.m. PT. 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.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateWSOC
Instagram: FresnoStateWSOC
Team Stats
SMC
FST
Goals
0
0
Shots
14
12
Shots on Goal
5
6
Saves
6
5
Corners
9
5
Fouls
11
9
Game Leaders
Shots
3
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
3
SOG
3
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
2
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
M/D
/ Women's SoccerF
/ Women's SoccerF/M
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
D/M
/ Women's SoccerM/F
/ Women's SoccerSoccer Media Availability (8/4/25)
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WSOC Highlight: vs. Weber State (8/22/24)
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