Late goal dooms Grizzlies

Thursday, August 29

Fresno, Calif.

8 PM (MT)

Montana

3-2-0

Fresno State

3-0-1

Montana

Fresno State

Photos: Fresno State Athletics

8/29/2024 11:01:00 PM | Soccer

Box Score

By: Montana Sports Information

A late goal gave Fresno State a 2-1 victory over Montana on Thursday night at Bulldog Soccer Stadium in Fresno in a match-up of regionally ranked teams.

The Bulldogs (3-0-1) remained unbeaten on the season when Averee Campos scored unassisted off a corner kick in the 81st minute.

Fresno State opened the scoring in the 51st minute, Montana (3-2-0) tied it in the 67th on Jen Estes's first goal as a Grizzly, the assist coming on freshman Ashlyn Sandow's first collegiate point.

After a scoreless first half, Montana outshot Fresno State 10-5 over the match's final 45 minutes and had a 15-11 advantage in shots for the match.

"We adjusted the way we played in the second half, went to a different formation that completely overwhelmed them," said coach Chris Citowicki.

"We had our chances to put the game away and didn't. They had two counters. On one of those, they get a corner and score and you lose 2-1. That's what happens in these kinds of big games."

After Montana put just two shots on goal in the first half, Skyleigh Thompson tested Fresno State goalkeeper Shivani Battaglia in the opening minute of the second half.

The Grizzlies put three shots on goal through the opening 14 minutes of the second half, finally breaking through in the 67th on Estes's seventh collegiate goal, her first at Montana.

"Our goal was great," said Citowicki. "Ashlyn put the ball in the right spot and Jen scored. I thought it was excellent."

After Fresno State reclaimed the lead in the 81st minute, Thompson took the last of her five shots and Montana generated a corner kick, but the equalizer wasn't to be found.

"What a fight, what a performance. I love how we competed," added Citowicki. "We have to put our chances away but I loved the performance we put in. Sets us up well for the next game."

Montana will host IU Indianapolis (0-3-1) on Sunday at 1 p.m. at South Campus Stadium. The Jaguars opened their road trip with a 2-1 loss at Idaho on Thursday night.