FRESNO, Calif. -- With a long road stretch looming, Fresno State will play two matches during Labor Day Weekend, hosting Pepperdine on Friday and Long Beach State on Sunday at Bulldog Soccer Stadium. It will be the third and fourth home matches for the Bulldogs since the season began on Aug. 17.
Friday will pit a pair of unbeaten teams against one another when Pepperdine comes to Fresno while Long Beach State enters the weekend having played a pair of Top-15 opponents this month.
Fresno State (1-0-2) vs. Pepperdine (1-0-3)
Date: Sept. 1, 2023
Time: 3 p.m. PT
Location: Fresno, Calif. (Bulldog Soccer Stadium)
Stream:Mountain West Network
Live Stats:Bulldogslive.com
Fresno State (1-0-2) vs. Long Beach State (2-2-0)
Date: Sept. 3, 2023
Time: 12 p.m. PT
Location: Fresno, Calif. (Bulldog Soccer Stadium)
Stream:Mountain West Network
Live Stats:Bulldogslive.com
UNBEATEN THROUGH 3
With two draws and a win to open 2023, Fresno State is unbeaten to start a fall season for the first time since 2006. That is the only other year in program history that a Bulldog team has been unbeaten through its first three matches.
The Bulldogs started the 2006 season 3-0-1 before their first defeat.
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.
SHUTOUT
On Aug. 24, Fresno State posted its first shutout since Sept. 5, 2021 versus Saint Mary's. Ironically, like this season's match against UCSB, both ended 0-0.
Valentina Vivas (4 saves) and Kaydence Cortez-Garcia (2 saves) combined for the shutout with each keeper playing 45 minutes.
STINGY
Through three games, Fresno State holds the second-lowest goals against average in the Mountain West at 0.67 per game. With Valentina Vivas and Kaydence Cortez-Garcia splitting time in goal, three of the team's four defenders, juniors Averee Campos, Julia Hardwick and Jordan Lau have played every minute. Freshman Katie Morris has played all but 13 minutes at right back.
Vivas is one of 23 keepers in the NCAA, and the only one in the MW, to have not allowed a goal this season.
SETTING UP AT THE STICK
Like a season ago, Fresno State again ranks as one of the top teams in the Mountain West in earning corner kicks. The Bulldogs currently rank second in the league, earning 6.67 per match.
FINDING THE BACK OF THE NET TWICE
Against CSU Bakersfield on Aug. 20, Fresno State scored twice in the opening half against the Roadrunners. It was the first time since Oct. 3, 2021 against Wyoming that the 'Dogs scored multiple goals in a first half.
The two goals against CSUB was Fresno State's most in a game since Oct. 28, 2021 against San Jose State.
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.