The UCSB women’s soccer returned to Harder Stadium Thursday and earned its first win of the season, 2-1 over Fresno State in a hard-fought non-conference match.
The first half was scoreless, as multiple Gaucho scoring opportunities — including a shot that went in the goal — were undone by seven offside calls in the first 45 minutes.
After halftime, the Gauchos, now 1-4-2, opened the scoring in the 50th minute. Sophomore midfielder Lauren Helwig received a beautiful pass down the field from sophomore Gia Cimring and headed the ball into the back of the net.
Just four minutes later, freshman Samantha Christie doubled the lead when she found the back of the net off a header that went right above the Bulldog keeper’s head. Helwig picked up the assist with a nifty pass right in front of the net.
The Bulldogs scored a goal in the 87th minute, but it was too little too late in UCSB’s 2-1 victory.
Gaucho sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Little made six saves and other key defensive plays while allowing only one goal.
“I’m really pleased that the team is being rewarded for their efforts,” UCSB coach Paul Stumpf said. “No one outside of the program knows just how dedicated and committed they are, and now, they finally got paid off for their work. My hope is that the team enjoys the pressure release of getting their first win on the year. We had two good performances in a row that we can build on as we prepare for Idaho on Sunday.”
With the goal and assist, Helwig leads UCSB in points with five. Christie’s goal was the first of her Gaucho career.
The Gauchos next travel to Moscow, Idaho, for the non-conference tilt against the University of Idaho Sunday.