FRESNO, Calif. – Behind second-half goals from Kaelyn Miller and Ciara Wilson, Fresno State picked up its first win of Mountain West play, defeating Wyoming 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Bulldog Soccer Stadium. Miller netted the eventual game-winner in the 55th minute while Wilson tacked on an insurance goal a half hour later.
Fresno State put eight of its 13 shots on frame, putting Wyoming goalkeeper Miyuki Schoyen under pressure throughout the match. On the other side, Valentina Vivas recorded her third shutout in the last five matches for the Bulldogs, totaling six saves.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs came out pressuring the Cowgirls from the opening whistle, owning control of the first half hour. Ciara Wilson (5) and Kaelyn Miller (3) combined for eight shots with four of those forcing saves out of Schoyen. From that point on, Wyoming grew into the match and two sides were level at the half.
The Cowgirls tallied the first two shots of the second half but in the 55th minute it was Miller who broke the deadlock. From the right side, Wilson slotted a centering through ball to Miller who got past her marker. One-on-one with Schoyen, she slipped her attempt past the Wyoming keeper.
The Cowgirls began pushing for the equalizer in the final 15 minutes. Within a four-minute stretch, Katie Morris came up with a crucial block in the box and Vivas produced three saves, within two coming in succession off a Wyoming free kick.
In the 85th minute, Lizbeth De Loera struck a bouncing ball at midfield that got over the heads of Wyoming's backline. Wilson raced onto it, chipping it over the outstretched arms of Schoyen as she raced out to meet the ball. The Bulldog striker followed the ball, tapping it across the line before a Cowgirl defender could get to the loose ball.
SCORING SUMMARY
54:02 - FS - Kaelyn Miller (Ciara Wilson)
84:25 - FS - Ciara Wilson (Lizbeth De Loera)
NOTES
Fresno State won its first Mountain West game this year.
Fresno State won its first match at home this season.
Fresno State is 2-0-0 this season when scoring two or more goals.
Kaelyn Miller scored her first goal of the year.
Ciara Wilson tallied her most points in a game in her career (3).
Valentina Vivas posted her third shutout of conference play.
Vivas recorded six saves.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will return to the road this week, heading to Utah State on Thursday and Boise State on Sunday.