The Cal Poly women’s soccer team lost to the Fresno State Bulldogs 1-0 on Sunday, August 18, at Mustang Memorial Field.

The Mustangs’ (0-1-1) first loss of the 2024 season came amid a difficult non-conference schedule, playing against a Bulldogs (1-0-0) team they played to a 1-1 tie against last season.

The Bulldogs proved to be the attackers from the start, passing the ball forward at every opportunity and trying to find their attackers in open space. After just seven minutes they were awarded a free kick after Aynsley Conner was fouled while pursuing a through ball.

Fresno State’s Jordan Lau headed the ball into the net after the free kick bounced off the crossbar, giving the team a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute.

Cal Poly found its rhythm after the goal and their offense increased to five shots on goal in the first half.

Redshirt sophomore Sophia Minnite fired the only shot on goal for Cal Poly in the first half, a long-range shot that was blocked by the Bulldogs.

Early in the second half, sophomore Whitney Wiley found sophomore Jaycee DeFazio on the left side with a pinpoint through ball, who took the pass and fired the ball into the net, but the referee ruled DeFazio offside.

Despite the setback, the Mustangs’ offense continued to put pressure on the Bulldogs. Cal Poly had more shots on goal than Fresno State (4-2) in the second half, but could not score the equalizer.

In their second straight game, the Mustangs outnumbered their opponents in shots (9-8) and possession (60-40), but were unable to prevail.

Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Riley Wilkerson made five saves in her first career start for Cal Poly.

Next up, the Mustangs will have to stay home and face a big test as they host No. 11 UCLA on Thursday, August 22 at 7 p.m. at Mustang Memorial Field.