Box Score Coach
Ron Pulvers' women's soccer team traveled to Fresno on Friday to face off against Fresno Pacific, and the #15-ranked Cougars came away with a 1-0 road victory.
CSUSM improves to 3-0 on the year. Fresno Pacific drops to 2-1.
In a match that was remarkably similar to the Cougars' last contest, Tuesday's 1-0 win at Biola, San Marcos had the better of play in general, and was able to scratch out an early second half goal that proved to be the difference. Coach Pulvers' was complimentary of his opponent after the victory.
“I really like that team, they're dynamic and possess the ball well,” said Pulvers of Fresno Pacific.
So dynamic, in fact, that Pulvers made an unconventional move to shut down one particularly speedy winger, moving All-Conference forward Shelby Bush to right back in order the handle the situation. She did, helping the Cougars and keeper Kaycee Gunion, who made 3 saves, keep a clean sheet for the third time in as many games.
But the story of the match was Courtney Kay. A true freshman, Kay celebrated her birthday on Friday with her first collegiate goal, and it turned out to be a game-winner. In the 57th minute, Shannon Cox launched a free kick into the box that the Fresno keeper was unable to handle. Kay found the ball in the ensuing scrum and rocketed it into the back of the net to put the Cougars on top.
CSUSM out-shot Fresno Pacific 13-7 and held a 4-2 corner kick advantage.
The #15-ranked Cougars will be back at home on Sunday to take on the University of La Verne.
