FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno Pacific women's soccer faced CCAA opponent Chico State on Friday afternoon, but a second-half goal proved to be the difference in the 1-0 setback.
The Sunbirds created opportunities in the opening half, with
Damaris Lopez sparking an attack in the 20th minute. After advancing up the sideline with a skillful move, Lopez helped move the ball forward before nearly finding the back of the net less than a minute later. Her attempt was blocked and gathered by the Chico State goalkeeper.
Defensively,
Brielle Calhoun came up with a key play late in the half, rushing off her line to beat a Wildcat to a dangerous free kick into the box and punch the ball clear. Neither team found a breakthrough before halftime, sending the match into the break scoreless.
Chico State increased the pressure after halftime, striking the crossbar with one attempt before sending another shot just wide of the goal.
Bailey Roberson nearly created an opportunity of her own after dribbling past multiple defenders, but the Wildcats' goalkeeper stopped the loose ball before Roberson could get a shot away.
The Wildcats broke the deadlock in the 68th minute, heading home a deep cross to take a 1-0 lead. The Sunbirds pushed for an equalizer in the closing minutes, creating a pair of opportunities inside the box that were blocked by the Chico State defense. The Wildcats appeared to add a late goal, but it was overturned following a handball in the box. The Sunbirds continued to search for an equalizer, but Chico State held on for the 1-0 victory.
The Blue and Orange are 4-5-2 overall and 3-2-2 in CCAA play.
UP NEXT: Fresno Pacific soccer competes in a Sunday doublerheader against Cal State San Bernardino. The women's game will start at 2pm! The 'Birds return home to take on Cal Poly Humboldt the following weekend for Senior Day (October 17 at 12pm).Â
SUNBIRD SOCIALÂ
- X - @fpusunbirdsÂ
- Instagram - @fpusunbirdsÂ
- Facebook - @FPUsunbirdsÂ
#TeamFPU
