FRESNO, Calif. - After surrendering two goals in the first half, Fresno State fell to UC Santa Barbara by a final score of 2-0 on Thursday night at Bulldog Soccer Stadium. It was Fresno State's first loss of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Following a quiet opening ten minutes of play, the Gauchos claimed the first goal of the night. After alluding a Bulldog defender deep into the offensive zone, Emma Corcoran dished a pass into the middle for midfielder Hayden Halschied who found the back of the net to put UC Santa Barbara in front in the 13th minute.
While continuing to put pressure on the Bulldog defense, UC Santa Barbara scored once again in the 27th minute. Forward Natalie Sheffey slipped past a Bulldog defender with a burst of speed before sending a pass to the middle for Hayden Halschied who collected her second goal of the game. Ciara Wilson registered the Bulldog's first shot on goal, but her scoring chance was turned aside by the Gaucho netminder as the 'Dogs trailed heading into the half, 2-0.
Fresno State began to generate pressure of their own to open up the second half, starting with scoring chances from Hayden Crotty-Romero and Alexis Campbell just seconds apart that were saved by the goalie Buckley. Shortly after, Laura Mas Serra recorded a dangerous strike in the 54th minute which was answered by a sprawling save by Buckley to keep the Bulldogs scoreless.
UC Santa Barbara limited Fresno State's chances in the offensive zone for the remainder of the period, holding the Bulldogs to just two shots on goal in the final 35 minutes of the match as the Gauchos went on to defeat the Bulldogs by a final of 2-0.
Notes
Fresno State falls to 0-1-2 on the season
Fresno State was shutout for the second game in a row
Fresno State has outshot each of the first three opponents to start the season
Bulldogs outshot their opponent in the second half for the third straight game (9-3)
Ciara Wilson led the Bulldogs with two shots on goal
Shivani Battaglia has recorded seven saves in back-to-back games
Katie Morris recorded her third consecutive 90 minute game to start the season
The Bulldogs have been held to one goal in their first three games for the first time since 2022
SCORING SUMMARY
13:35 - UCSB - Hayden Halschied (Emma Corcoran)
27:18 - UCSB - Hayden Halschied (Natalia Sheffey)
UP NEXT
Fresno State will hit the road for their longest road trip season, starting with a contest against Sacramento State on Sunday Aug. 31 at Hornet Field with kickoff set for 11 a.m. PT