FORT COLLINS, Colo. – With Colorado State controlling play for more than an hour, Fresno State was forced to fight back late before falling 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at CSU Soccer Field. It was the Bulldogs' second straight defeat when scoring multiple goals.
Splitting time in goal, Ashton Conley (4) and Shivani Battaglia (7) kept the Bulldogs in the match by producing 11 saves, the most in a game for the Bulldogs since 2018.
Ciara Wilson scored her third goal of the week and tallied her second assist. The junior has 14 points this season (5G, 4A).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Put on its heels early, Fresno State allowed a goal in the 10th minute. A cross from Kaja Dionne found Mia Casey on the back post for a header to give Colorado State a 1-0 lead.
The Rams continued to put the Bulldogs under pressure, totaling nine shots in the first 24 minutes. The ninth led to a goal but it was called back due to an offside. The second goal did come though for the Rams 12 minutes later, a second for Casey.
Fresno State was outshot 13-2 in the opening half with a 6-1 differential in shots on target. It took the Rams less than three minutes into the second half, to make it 3-0.
Kaelyn Miller looked to get one back for Fresno State in the 53rd following a foul in the box. The senior's low attempt to the left on the penalty kick was saved by Libby Brooker.
The Bulldogs saw five of their nine shots on the afternoon come in the final 25 minutes as they were looking to get back into the match.
The 'Dogs got on the board in the 68th minute through the penalty spot. After her corner kick was sent back out, Kaya Scott sent a second ball back into the box and a whistle and yellow card was given to CSU's Katy Coffin. Ciara Wilson stepped up and converted the penalty, her second conversion of the week from the spot.
Like Thursday, the Bulldogs pulled within one late. Sitting just outside the top of the box, Averee Campos found Wilson moving down the left. A one-touch cross in front of goal to Miller brought the score to 3-2 with just over six minutes to play but that was as close as the 'Dogs could get.
NOTES
Fresno State lost its fourth match in its last five, falling to 5-5-2 overall, 0-3-1 in Mountain West play.
It was the third straight one-goal defeat for the Bulldogs.
Fresno State allowed a season-high 25 shots with 14 of those finding the target. It was the most shots on target by an opponent since Oct. 26, 2014 (15 by Colorado College).
Fresno State had its most saves in a game (11) since Oct. 26, 2018 versus San Jose State.
Shivani Battaglia (7) and Ashton Conley (4) each recorded career highs in saves.
Ciara Wilson recorded her team-high leading fifth goal and fourth assist.
Kaelyn Miller scored her third goal of the year.
SCORING SUMMARY
9:13 – CSU – Mia Casey (Kaja Dionne)
35:47 – CSU – Mia Casey (Ali Yoshida)
47:27 – CSU – Avery Vander Ven (Mia Casey)
67:47 – FS – Ciara Wilson (PK)
83:40 – FS – Kaelyn Miller (Ciara Wilson, Averee Campos)
UP NEXT
Fresno State returns home next week to face UNLV and Nevada. Kickoff on Thursday against the Rebels is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT at Bulldog Soccer Stadium. Alumni Day on Oct. 13 against Nevada is slated to start at noon. Both matches will stream on the Mountain West Network.