BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Despite Sunday's match between Fresno State and CSU Bakersfield being moved up five hours due to impending storms from Hurricane Hilary, rain reached Bakersfield earlier than anticipated and left a wet contest between the Central Valley rivals. A goal by Haley Espinoza in the final minute of the opening half proved to be the difference in a 2-1 win for the visiting Bulldogs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State came out strong putting its first two shots of the game on target. A flurry with just over a half hour gone led to the Bulldogs striking first. Kaya Scott rang the post in the 31st minute. A minute later, Haley Espinoza sprung free down the right flank, sent a dangerous ball inside the six that found the foot of Sabrina Welch. CSUB keeper Hollee Hercik saved the initial attempt on the doorstep but Megan Galvan cleaned up the rebound.
Espinoza continued to pester the Roadrunners down the right in the opening half. With just under a minute to play, the junior got the ball back into the box to Galvan. With the senior nearly looking out of options with her back to goal and defenders around her, Espinoza cut into the six, taking the ball off Galvan's foot and ripping a shot inside the near post to double the Bulldogs' lead before the break.
The dangerous trio of Galvan, Espinoza and Welch nearly added a third in the opening minute of the second. Galvan got space down the left flank and struck a shot on a goal that was knocked away. Espinoza followed the rebound but Hercik came up with a second stop and Welch's follow up went just wide of the right post.
The Roadrunners cut the Bulldogs' lead in half in the 70th minute through a goal from Hailey Russell. CSUB continued its pressure with three shots during the ensuing seven minutes. Fresno State was able to see out the remainder of the match.
SCORING SUMMARY
31:01 – FS – Megan Galvan (Sabrina Welch)
44:15 – FS – Haley Espinoza (Megan Galvan)
69:17 – CSUB – Hailey Russell (Jette Zimmer)
NOTES
Fresno State earned its first win of the season.
Megan Galvan recorded her first goal and assist of the season.
Haley Espinoza scored her first career goal.
Sabrina Welch tallied an assist on the game's opening goal, the first of her career.
Espinoza and Welch recorded a game-high three shots.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will return home to face UCSB on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT at Bulldog Soccer Stadium.