Missed opportunities haunt ‘Dogs in Santa Barbara

Thursday, September 8

Santa Barbara, CA

7 P.M. PT

Fresno State

0-5-1, 0-0-0

UCSB

1-4-2, 0-0-0

Fresno St.

UC Santa Barbara

Photo by: Samuel Marshall

Missed opportunities haunt ‘Dogs in Santa Barbara

9/8/2022 10:59:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Josh Mitchell / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – In its first game outshooting an opponent this year, and holding more than 60 percent of its possession in the attacking half, Fresno State was unable to capitalize on its chances on Thursday night at UCSB, falling 2-1 at Harder Stadium. The Bulldogs put seven shots on target, with three more going just wide of the posts.

How It Happened
Looking like the more dangerous team early, Fresno State nearly struck first twice just over 20 minutes into the match. Looking to turn, Kassandra Ceja was taken down 20 yards from goal but Gaucho keeper Taylor Little came up with her first of six saves on the free kick attempt. Three minutes later, Ceja was tripped up near midfield. A quick restart led to Ceja setting up Kaelyn Miller in stride but the sophomore pushed her shot just wide of the post with Little rushing out toward her.

Despite not allowing a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, the Bulldogs quickly found themselves trailing 2-0 on two shots less than nine minutes into the second half. A free kick from 30 yards out that led to a header on the back post was followed just over four minutes later by a cross that was centered back into the six-yard box.

Ceja nearly halved the deficit in the 57^th minute, freeing up space on the edge of the box by slipping past a defender and Little but her momentum toward the endline carried her shot left of the post. A minute later, Ceja set up a free run into the box for Jaylyn Wright, but Little came out to meet the low shot.

A problem for the UCSB defense all night, Ceja had another opportunity in the 64^th minute, watching a ball drop over the top, but the junior pushed an attempt just outside the left post after it dropped down. Three minutes later, a corner that was recycled back into the left center of the box found the foot of Bailee Beach, but Little came up with a diving stop.

Fresno State managed to get on the board in the 87^th minute seeing Ceja head down a ball at the top of the box that Adriana Maldonado tapped to Wright who struck a right-to-left shot past Little.

Scoring Summary
49:15 – UCSB – Lauren Helwig (Gia Cimring)
53:59 – UCSB – Samantha Christie (Lauren Helwig)
86:44 – FS – Jaylyn Wright (Adriana Maldonado, Kassandra Ceja)

Notes

Fresno State outshot an opponent for the first time this season (12-9) and put more shots on target (7-4).
The Bulldogs' back line forced the Gauchos into being whistled 13 times for offside.
The 'Dogs drop to 3-4 all-time in Santa Barbara as UCSB evened the all-time series at 7-7-1.
Jaylyn Wright tallied her first goal of the season and third of her career.
Adriana Maldonado recorded her first point for the Bulldogs.
Kassandra Ceja recorded her team-leading fifth point.

Up Next
The Bulldogs remain on the road this weekend, flying out to Missoula, Montana to face the Griz. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. PT.

"Fresno State Athletics - For The V: The Central Valley" - Bulldog student-athletes, coaches, and staff proudly wear the "Green V" to show their pride in representing the Central Valley. Stories of why the Bulldogs play for the "Green V" will be shared throughout the next year with #ForTheV. To become a Bulldog Foundation member or join "The Green V Society," please visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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