SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - For the second consecutive year, the UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer team played Fresno State to a 0-0 draw. A could of could looks by the Gauchos were squandered as the Bulldog backline and keeper held strong for all 90 minutes.

FROM HEAD COACH PAUL STUMPF
"For one, we are happy with getting a shut out," said Stumpf. "Our competitive level has really improved which is a positive to take away from the performance, but we are still struggling to generate much in the way of chances and goals." 

The Gauchos got the first good look at goal after Olivia Howard ripped a shot to the bottom left of the goal, but was ultimately saved. Fresno State countered with three shots of their own on their ensuing possession. The UC Santa Barbara defense held strong and kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard.

The two teams each earned good scoring chances as the first half progressed, but neither side could beat the keepers. Chayse Yu and Devin Greer each had good chances but did not convert. Both teams went to the half tied nil-nil.

The offensive aggressiveness took a back seat to open the second half as the first shot of the period was recorded in the 66th minutes. A Yu shot sailed out to the right of the goal. On the counter, Fresno State got the first good look at goal as Alexis Campbell made Maddie Buckley make a save to keep the game scoreless for both sides.

After another off target shot by the Gauchos, Fresno State had another good look at goal but was again denied. A second shot by the Bulldogs just over a minute later sailed right of the goal and resulted in UC Santa Barbara possession. The Gauchos started to get into their attacking third but were whistled for offisides in the closing minutes.

One final shot attempt by Fresno State with just over a minute left to play was off target and the 0-0 score held until the final whistle.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will hit the road for another midweek contest on Thursday, Aug. 29 as they travel to the University of San Diego. The game is scheduled for a 5 p.m. kickoff at Torero Stadium. The game will be streamed through ESPN+ with live stats also available.