Bulldogs' unbeaten streak extends to four

FRESNO, Calif. – A Belgian freshman. An Olympico from a left back. Fresno State's unbeaten streak continued on Thursday night at Bulldog Soccer Stadium with a 2-1 win over Montana behind first-career goals Averee Campos and Sam Paepen.

With their third win in their first four matches, the Bulldogs stand at 3-0-1, matching their longest unbeaten streak to start a season in program history (2006).

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Griz had the Bulldogs under pressure early and often but the 'Dogs weathered the storm before finding their footing after 20 minutes. Alexis Campbell had the first look, taking a dipping shot from outside the 18 that Montana keeper Ashlyn Dvorak had to tip over the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Kaelyn Miller forced Dvorak to get down for another stop.

With just minutes remaining in the half, off a corner Katie Morris ripped a shot that screamed just over the bar.

After a warning shot in the opening minute of the second half from Montana, Fresno State struck in the 51st minute. A centering ball from Ciara Wilson found an open Sam Paepen 25 yards out from goal. The Belgian freshman struck a low liner inside the left post past Dvorak for the first of her career.

Haley Espinoza nearly made it two a minute later, springing through the defense and bearing down on the Griz keeper but Dvorak kept the Bulldogs' lead at one.

As Fresno State began to sustain heavy pressure, Montana found the equalizer in the 67th minute on a glancing header inside the bottom left corner of the net.

After a wave of subs in the 79th minute with both teams tiring and pushing for a late winner, the 'Dogs found it in some magic. With less than 10 minutes to play, starting left back Averee Campos, who missed the last game due to a red card suspension, stepped to the corner flag. Her high curling strike got over Dvorak and dropped into the opposite side netting to give Fresno State the go-ahead goal.

NOTES

Fresno State moved to 3-0-1 on the season. It matches the longest unbeaten streak to start a season in program history (2006).

Two of Fresno State's wins have come when being outshot. The Bulldogs were outshot 15-11 on Thursday.

Two of Fresno State's wins have come when scoring the game-winner in the final 10 minutes.

Junior Averee Campos and freshman Sam Paepen scored the first goals of their career.

Ciara Wilson registered her first assist of the season, the eighth of her career.

SCORING SUMMARY

50:11 – FS – Sam Paepen (Ciara Wilson)

66:50 – UM – Jen Estes (Ashleyn Sandow)

80:14 – FS – Averee Campos

UP NEXT

Fresno State continues its three-match homestand on Sunday night. Kickoff against Seattle U is set for 7 p.m. PT at Bulldog Soccer Stadium.

Fresno State Athletics

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