FRESNO, Calif. – For the second time in the last three seasons, Fresno State will host the defending national champion in an exhibition match. Two years ago, it was Santa Clara who was No. 2 in the preseason in 2021. On Saturday, the Bulldogs host preseason No. 1 UCLA at Bulldog Soccer Stadium.
FRESNO STATE VS. NO. 1 UCLA
Date: Aug. 12, 2023
Time: 5 p.m. PT
Location: Fresno, Calif. (Bulldog Soccer Stadium)
Live Stats: Bulldogslive.com
NEW YEAR, NEW FACES
With only 15 players returning from the 2022 squad, the Bulldogs brought 11 new players into the fold this offseason.
Five transfers, and a sixth addition, joined the 'Dogs during the spring. Five freshmen came in during the summer.
Four of the five transfers came from Saddleback College after winning the 2022 CCCAA state championship and were ranked No. 1 nationally at the end of year by United Soccer Coaches.
Four of the five freshmen are from the Central Valley.
SPINE INTACT
Four of the Bulldogs' top players through the middle of the field in recent years remain. Jordan Lau has been a staple for two years in the center of the defense and played a team-high 1,470 minutes last year. Behind her is fifth-year senior Valentina Vivas who has started 36 matches in goal during the last three seasons. In the heart of the midfield, fifth-year senior Bailee Beach has played in every match the past three years with 48 starts. Up top, junior Kaelyn Miller has played in every game since joining the 'Dogs, starting 38 and totaling 24 points (10 G/4 A).
PRESEASON TESTS AGAINST THE CHAMPS
With Saturday's exhibition match against No. 1 UCLA, it will be the third time since 2018 that Fresno State has played a defending champion prior to its season opener. In 2018, the 'Dogs lost 4-0 at No. 1 Stanford. Two years ago, Fresno State fell at home to No. 2 Santa Clara, 6-2.
A LOOK AT UCLA
The Bruins head into the season coming off a 22-2-1 record and a national championship in 2022. UCLA defeated North Carolina 3-2 in the title game, erasing a two-goal deficit with 15 minutes left to play. The Bruins return the bulk of their production from last season including their top four scorers along with Honda Sport Award for Soccer finalist Lilly Reale on the back line.
TICKETS ON SALE
Season tickets are available at $50 for adults, and $36 for seniors and youth. Family four packs are $37.25 per ticket. Single match tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and youth. Fans can purchase tickets online HERE or by calling 559-278-DOGS.
Single match parking is $5 in the Red Lot and can be purchased on game day as you enter the Red Lot (Cash/CC accepted). Season ticket holders will have an option to purchase a discounted season parking pass.
Parking opens two hours prior to kickoff on game days. Bulldog Soccer Stadium gates open one hour prior to kickoff.