In its third overtime match of the year, the Fresno State women's soccer team pulled out the 3-2 win over Cal Poly Friday night on the road. Sophomore Lauren Lindstrompunched in the game winner just over six minutes into the extra session.

"It was definitely a game where we were absolutely tested to the core of our character," said Head Coach Brian Zwaschka.

Junior Callie Hancock opened scoring with her fourth goal of the year. After taking advantage of a misplayed ball by her defender in the fifth minute, she gave the Bulldogs the early 1-0 lead.

Cal Poly responded with less than 10 minutes before the break. Tiffany Gummow picked up her fifth goal of the season from Cristina Farrington, sending it in 25 yards out from the left side into the right corner, leaving the match tied 1-1 at the end of the first half.

Senior Laura Dodd gave the Bulldogs the 2-1 lead in the 57th minute off a rebounded shot the Mustangs goalie could not hold onto.

"The first goal was absolutely things we have been working hard on," started Zwaschka, "but the second one was a little more gritty. We try to stress that not all goals are going to be pretty but if there is a commitment level, and understanding, goals can be earned by rolling up your sleeves. That's how Dodd's goal came."

Fresno State held onto the lead for nearly 10 minutes before Gummow picked up her second goal of the game on a free kick from 18 yards out.

The 2-2 score remained through the end of regulation.

"I couldn't be more thrilled with the idea that this group of players got together in the circle at the start of the overtime and you could just tell they were committed to finishing it out," added Zwaschka. "There was no question they were getting it done."

The Bulldog offense earned its first corner kick of the overtime after just five minutes of play. Senior Molly Nizzoliwould take two more corners in the next 30 seconds. The last was deflected back to her and she served the ball back into the box where it was found by Lindstrom for the game winning goal.

Freshman Katie DeVault finished with a match-high four saves. Cal Poly (6-4-1) was led by Gummow. She finished with two goals on three shots.

Fresno State (5-3-2) finally returns home after four games on the road. The Bulldogs face No. 8 Pepperdine on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.

"It seems like ages since we have been able to play in front of our home crowd," said Zwaschka. "We are really looking forward to that and I feel the home crowd is ready to see us play again. In terms of opponent, I'll say it again, anybody, anytime, anywhere and Pepperdine is just another team. We are going to do our best, take care of the things we know we are really good at and hopefully get a result by playing our game the way we know how."

Every fan who attends the match will receive a prize in a special promotion. Prizes range from new Go 'Dogs scarves to discounts to the Bulldog Shop.

 

"We Are Your Team!" Look out for the Bulldogs big promotion during their next home match against No. 8 Pepperdine on Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. Every fan in attendance will receive a prize. You can always stay connected with Fresno State Athletics on Facebook (fresnostateathletics) and Twitter (@FSAthletics).