Fox's Strike Lifts Titans Past Spartans, 1-0

by Jason Spencer
August 26, 2012

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Cal State Fullerton senior Stacey Fox scored for the second-straight game and junior goalkeeper Katie Pulliam made six saves in net to preserve the clean sheet as the visiting Titans earned their first win of the season, 1-0, over host Michigan State on Sunday afternoon at DeMartin Stadium in East Lansing, Mich.

The win earned Fullerton (1-3 overall) a split in "The Great Lakes State" after opening the 2012 season with three consecutive one-goal losses – the last two coming in overtime. The Spartans, who had outscored their opposition by a 9-2 count to start the year, suffered their first defeat of the season in falling to 3-1.

"This was the game we needed," Head Coach Demian Brown said. "We have played very well in our first three matches, but have been unlucky with the results. To be able to win a close game against a very good Michigan State team is a positive step as we look forward to our next match."

Just as they did in Ann Arbor two days earlier, Fox and teammate Erica Mazeau connected for the Titans' goal as Mazeau sent a corner into the box in the 67th minute to a waiting Fox in front of the net, who put it past Michigan State keeper Courtney Clem for the only score of the match.

Coupled with her goal on Friday against Michigan, Fox now has 15 goals for her career, moving her into a tie for ninth on the school's career list with Kelly Bogan (1995-98). For Mazeau, it was her third assist of the season – all coming in the last three matches.

Pulliam then preserved the shutout with her performance in net with a career-high tying six saves – five of those coming in the second half, two in the final 10 minutes, and getting some help from the post three minutes before Fox's goal -- to turn away the Spartans.

Sophomore Rebecca Wilson finished four a match-high four shots off the bench to lead all players while Jordan Mueller, Olivia Stander, and Paige Wester each had three to led Michigan State.

Cal State Fullerton returns to the pitch on Thursday (Aug. 30) at 7 p.m. for a home match against Oregon State at Titan Stadium.

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