Fresno State women’s soccer focused on strong defense this fall

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Fresh off opening the season with a shutout win at Cal Poly, the Fresno State women’s soccer team is hoping a “defensive foundation” could help lead them to greater success in 2024.

The Bulldogs are off to a 1-0 start after defeating Cal Poly 1-0 in the season opener Sunday in San Luis Obispo.

It was the Bulldogs’ first win at Cal Poly since 2011, and their first win to open a fall season since 2018.

The Bulldog program has only had six total wins over the last two seasons, but longtime head coach Brian Zwaschka is hopeful Sunday’s performance could be a sign of good things to come.

“Happy to start out with a really good road game. I think we played really well and deserved to win because of the things we were doing,” said Zwaschka, who is in his 16th season leading the program. “This year we’re really based off a solid defense.”

That defense will get its second test of the season on Thursday night, when the Bulldogs host their home opener against Weber State at 7 p.m. at the Bulldog Soccer Stadium.

The Bulldogs will host four of their next five matches during the next three weeks.

The Bulldogs return 8 starters from last year, including their top two offensive scorers, and four most experienced defenders.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.