FRESNO, Calif. – For the second Sunday in a row, Fresno State struggled to find the back of the net before falling 1-0 to Seattle U at Bulldog Soccer Stadium. The loss snapped the Bulldogs' unbeaten streak to start the year as they dropped to 3-1-1.
Goalkeeper Shivani Battaglia kept the 'Dogs in the match with four saves but the finishing touch for the offense wasn't there
HOW IT HAPPENED
Seattle U started out with a pair of shots in the opening minutes. Laura Mas Serra had a chance for Fresno State in the fifth minute but a centering ball to her in the middle of the box was blocked away after her strike. Four minutes later, Katie Morris caught the post on a long-range effort.
Ciara Wilson had the best chance for the Bulldogs in the 21st minute, holding off a defender before getting around the keeper on a counter attack. The junior's final touch away from the keeper drifted her to her right and her off-balance attempt sailed over the crossbar.
The Redhawks broke the deadlock four minutes later. A foul 25 yards out from goal set up a free kick. Jourdyn Curran chipped a ball over the Bulldogs' backline that dropped for Bella Bonnett in front of goal and it was tapped inside the left post.
The 'Dogs amped up the pressure late in the half, forcing three stops from Seattle keeper Kassidy Kirgan.
While Fresno State piled up eight shots in the opening 45 minutes, it had just one in the second. That 86th-minute attempt by Kaelyn Miller nearly leveled the match. The senior slipped past a defender and ripped a shot from 20 yards out, forcing Kirgan to lay out in full stretch to make the stop.
NOTES
Fresno State saw its four-match unbeaten streak end. It was tied for the longest unbeaten streak to start a season in program history (2006, 2024).
Fresno State was shut out for the second time this season.
Fresno State and Seattle U each had nine shots with the Redhawks holding a 5-4 edge in shots on target.
Shivani Battaglia produced four saves, one shy of her season high.
Kaelyn Miller had a team-high two shots on goal.
SCORING SUMMARY
25:17 – SU – Bella Bonnett (Jourdyn Curran)
UP NEXT
Fresno State will be back in Bulldog Soccer Stadium on Sept. 8, hosting CSU Bakersfield. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. PT.