FRESNO, Calif. – With more than 1,000 fans in attendance for last Saturday's exhibition against UCLA, the Fresno State women's soccer team will open its season on Thursday night, hosting Cal Poly at Bulldog Soccer Stadium for the first time since 2015. Three days later, the Bulldogs head down the 99 to face CSU Bakersfield on Sunday evening.
FRESNO STATE VS. CAL POLY
Date: Aug. 17, 2023
Time: 7 p.m. PT
Location: Fresno, Calif. (Bulldog Soccer Stadium)
Stream: Mountain West Network
Live Stats: Bulldogslive.com
FRESNO STATE AT CSU BAKERSFIELD
Date: Aug. 20, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. PT
Location: Bakersfield, Calif. (Main Soccer Field)
Stream: ESPN+
Live Stats: Sidearmstats
SPENDING TIME IN THE VALLEY
After being on the road for much of the nonconference season in 2022, Fresno State reversed course with its 2023 schedule. All five of the Bulldogs' games before Labor Day will be played in Central Valley, with four of those games being played in the friendly confines of Bulldog Soccer Stadium.
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.
CAPTAIN BEACH
Playing the most minutes of any current Bulldog, Bailee Beach was named captain for the 2023 season. The fifth-year senior has played 4,308 minutes during her career. She has played in every match the past three seasons. The Fair Oaks, Calif. native has featured in 65 matches with 49 starts, beginning her career on the back line, she has played exclusively in the midfield the past two seasons.
LOCALLY GROWN
The Central Valley is known for growing food. But it also grows athletes for Fresno State. Nearly half of this year's roster chose to remain (or return) close to home. Twelve of the team's 25 players are from between north of Bakersfield and south of Sacramento.
Seven those 12 players are originally from Fresno/Clovis.
Of the seven, Megan Galvan (Sr.), Julia Hardwick (Sr.), Katie Morris (Fr.) and Ciara Wilson (So.) started the exhibition match against No. 1 UCLA.
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 43 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 last Saturday's exhibition match against No. 1 UCLA, Fresno State has played a defending champion prior to its season opener three times since 2018. 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.
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.