SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Despite a late push for a winner, Fresno State was held to a scoreless draw on Sunday against UCSB at Harder Stadium. The draw maintained the Bulldogs' unbeaten streak to start the season (2-0-1).
Fresno State earned its second shutout against a Big West opponent in the last eight days.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Following pressure in the first five minutes from UCSB, three opportunities came in the next five for the Bulldogs with a pair from Ciara Wilson. Each was just off the mark. It was a trend for the 'Dogs in the opening half as they had a 5-3 shot advantage but were unable to find the target.
Jordan Lau had the final chance of the half, finding space on the back post on a Sabrina Welch corner. The senior's header though sailed just over the bar.
Fresno State started the second 45 with two quick dangerous corners from Welch. Pressure continued from the 'Dogs with two balls over the top to Wilson that UCSB keeper Maddie Buckley got to just before the Bulldog striker.
In the 83rd minute, a free kick by the 'Dogs was sent into the box that Buckley tried to punch out but it landed at the feet of Wilson. But with traffic in front of goal, the Bulldog's shot was blocked away. A minute later, Hayden Crotty-Romero nearly found Kaelyn Miller's head on the back post but her ball was just out of reach.
Crotty-Romero had a chance of her own with a minute remaining. A low cross from the end line was knocked out to the freshman at the penalty spot. Her attempt was blocked though by an on-rushing Gaucho defender.
NOTES
Fresno State remains unbeaten at 2-0-1.
It is just the second time in program history that the Bulldogs have been unbeaten through three matches in a fall season (2006, 2024).
Fresno State was also unbeaten through three matches during the 2021 shortened spring season in which it only played conference opponents.
Fresno State and UCSB have finished their last two matches in scoreless draws (2023, 2024).
Shivani Battaglia earned her second shutout of the season. The keeper has yet to allow a goal from the run of play.
Battaglia had two saves.
Ciara Wilson produced a match-high three shots.
UP NEXT
Fresno State returns to Bulldog Soccer Stadium on Thursday to host Montana at 7 p.m. PT. It will be the first of three straight matches in Fresno for the 'Dogs.