Second Half Onslaught Lifts 'Dogs to Win
The Fresno State women's soccer team came out on top (3-0) in their home opener against the University of San Francisco Friday night after three different Bulldogs punched in goals in the second half.
Junior Callie Hancock and freshman Jaycee Bingham picked up their second goals of the season, while sophomore Morgan Castain earned her first as a Bulldog. All three goals came within a seven minute time span.
"There was definitely an energy today with us being able to play at home and playing in front of our home fans," said Head Coach Brian Zwaschka. "We had a good turnout and everybody was noisy and responsive to how we were playing. We were just sticking with the game plan and finally we just broke the ice. I'm excited to get the win and see again three different goal scorers."
Both teams were scoreless through the 61st minute before Hancock found a pass from fellow junior Vanessa Gonzalez. It would be the goal to open the flood gates as senior Kendall VanDine dished it over to Bingham for the second goal of the night just three minutes later.
Bingham picked up her first collegiate assist helping Castain reach her milestone four minutes later to close scoring in the match.
Freshman Katie DeVault kept up her stellar play, picking up a team-high three saves while playing 80:30 minutes. Four returners for the Bulldogs logged serious minutes in the win. Sophomores Kayla Kret and Lauren Lindstrom along with seniors Molly Nizzoli and VanDine each tallied 90 minutes on the pitch.
"There is just no replacement for experience," said Zwaschka. "Having those guys kind of hold down the fort and keep everyone organized is what any coach loves to lean on. They are such good examples to everybody else."
Fresno State (2-1-0) picked up its second shutout of the season after the defense didn't allow any shots by the Dons in the second half. The Bulldogs outshot USF (0-2-0) in the second half, 8-0.
The Bulldogs travel to Loyola Marymount next on Sunday, Aug. 28. Game time is set for 1 p.m. against the Lions who are currently receiving votes for national ranking.
"I know they are kind of a high energy," said Zwaschka of the Lions. "So we just know we are going to have to bring a top game to them. It's about recognizing that we are about anybody, anytime, anywhere and we aren't going to be afraid of them, we're going to go there and we're gonna try to win. That's the game plan."
"We Are Your Team!" You can always stay connected with Fresno State Athletics on Facebook (fresnostateathletics) and Twitter (@FSAthletics)
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