FRESNO, Calif. – Coming off one of its best nonconference records in program history, Fresno State (5-3-1) fought tooth-and-nail with Boise State in their 2024 Mountain West opener on Thursday night before falling 1-0 at Bulldog Soccer Stadium.
With only one match in their last 10 separated by more than a goal, Thursday night lived up to being hotly contested. Boise State (8-2-0) held a 12-11 shot advantage but was also whistled for 13 of the game's 21 total fouls.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State had the first crack on goal in the fifth minute when Averee Campos made a run through the midfield, got space ripped a shot wide. Boise State though had the best attempt of the half. Set up by a foul just outside the box in the 16th minute, Morgan Padour stuck a shot to the underside of the crossbar that was tipped over by Ashton Conley.
Ciara Wilson and Alexis Campbell each fizzed shots just off the mark in the ensuing 15 minutes for the Bulldogs.
Heading into the break scoreless, both sides looked to up the tempo in the second half. The 'Dogs took the opportunity with Kaelyn Miller striking a volley on frame but it was knocked away by Bronco keeper Genevieve Crenshaw. A minute later, Ciara Wilson was sent free on a long ball toward the left side of the box but she was beaten to the ball by Crenshaw. The keeper sent a long ball into the Bulldogs' half that got through Fresno State's back line. Carly Cross got on the end of the pass, held off her defender and slipped a shot inside the post to break the deadlock.
Fresno State continued to ramp up its pressure with three shots coming just minutes after the 64-minute mark.
Still trailing with 10 minutes remaining, Anaya Shelton ripped a shot from the top of the box toward the left side of the frame but Crenshaw came up with a stop on the Bulldog. The 'Dogs saw two more chances come but neither could find the target.
NOTES
Fresno State dropped to 2-7-4 in Mountain West openers.
The Bulldogs lost their third straight match to the Broncos.
Fresno State was outshot 12-11 (5-2 on target). All of Fresno State's losses this season have come when being outshot.
Four Bulldogs each had two shots on the night, with Kaelyn Miller and Anaya Shelton each putting one on target.
Ashton Conley produced four saves. It was the keeper's third straight start.
SCORING SUMMARY
54:47 – BSU – Carly Cross (Genevieve Crenshaw)
UP NEXT
Fresno State returns to Bulldog Soccer Stadium on Sunday to host No. 10 Utah State. Kickoff is scheduled for noon PT. Tickets can be purchased here.