Photo by Bryan Cole

Bulldogs pick up first victory of the 2008 season with 1-0 win over Colonels

In a season when hard work looked like it would never pay off, the women̢۪s soccer team finally cashed in Friday night with its first win of the season, improving its record to 1-4.

Senior forward Nicole Gutierrez scored the game̢۪s lone goal against Eastern Kentucky in the 81st minute, with freshman Molly Nizzoli providing the assist in a 1-0 victory.

“I feel like our win was well-deserved,â€Â Gutierrez said. “We outshot them like crazy. In the end, everyone was where they needed to be and it felt good to put one away.â€Â

Fresno State outshot Eastern Kentucky 18-0 in the Colonels̢۪ first loss of the season.

Over the majority of the game, Fresno State held control of the ball and it reflected in the shot totals. In addition, it was noticeable that a big boost came from the rowdy crowd seemingly energizing the team with positive support throughout the game.

“The crowd fueled us on, especially the group of fraternity brothers,â€Â Nizzoli said. “We played more energetic and really wanted it.â€Â

Nizolli has come up big for the Bulldogs in the last week as she has tallied two goals and an assist in her last three games. What is even more impressive is that she is making an impact as a freshman.

“Coming into the season I just wanted to play hard and see what happens,â€Â Nizolli said. “I didn’t necessarily know how much playing time I’d get, but it feels good to help the team out.â€Â

The ball finally bounced in the Bulldogs̢۪ favor Friday, but the team had got off to a tough start this season as it had lost its first four games all by one goal.

“It was amazing to finally get a win,â€Â Nizzoli said. “Tonight, I feel like it’s going to be our turning point in the season.â€Â

Although the Bulldogs are 1-4, their record doesn̢۪t really tell the full story. Nearly every loss has come within the last 10 minutes of the game.

However, the young team has shown a lot of potential and is slowly starting to look more confident.

Bryan Cole / The Collegian

“It’s disappointing losing games like we have early on, but we have a talented young team,â€Â said coach Steve Springthorpe. “Starting last week, I told the girls that we just have to play better, harder and come out less flat.â€Â

It is no secret that the close losses produced some frustration early on in the season, but the team came out and pressured early and often on both sides of the ball Friday night.

Now, they will look to build off their first win of the season.

“Hopefully, we could keep the ball rolling and continue to improve with each game and practice,â€Â Springthorpe said. “I think it says a lot about these girls because they could have come out and said we’re 0-4 and played with less passion, but they didn’t.â€Â

The expectations remain high, even with the slow start.

“Our record is misleading and I still feel that it is very realistic that we could win the WAC,â€Â Gutierrez said. “I would love to end my last season as a Bulldog with a good seed going into the NCAA tournament. I have faith in my girls.â€Â

Fresno State will look for the momentum to carry over into its next game as the Bulldogs will host Florida International, Thursday, Sept. 11.