Soccer 'Dogs lose in overtime

October 29, 1993
Originally published by The Daily Collegian (Fresno State)

In the end, the 13th-ranked ’Dogs were stopped by a post.

Fresno State’s senior soccer standouts wanted to make it a memorable Thursday night against Santa Clara, their last at Bulldog Stadium.

Instead, ’Dogs Ryan Tinsley, Donovan Martinez and Sterling Wescott had to endure a stinging 2-1 loss in overtime.

The winning goal was particularly crushing to the Bulldogs as it came with 37 seconds left in the second overtime period.

Just five minutes earlier, FSU had a chance to go ahead but the shot bounced off the left goalpost. It was their last serious threat.

"It was a bitter disappointment," FSU head coach John Bluem said. "We outplayed them."

Despite losing stars Mario Sanchez and Sterling Wescott to injuries early in the contest, the ’Dogs stayed tough in a physical game.

Chuck Lively opened the scoring early in the second half with an 18-yard shot to put FSU ahead 1-0.

It took only five minutes for SCU to answer back. Joe Cullan was able to tie it up when he beat ’Dog keeper David Kramer on a short goal.

SCU’s persistent, in-your-face defense created trouble every which way for the Bulldogs, accustomed to setting the tempo on offense.

The Bulldogs spent most of the second half and overtime periods battling in SCU territory, but were unable to make headway against a rough-and-tumble Bronco defense.

Grant Schick provided the winning margin when he propelled a shot past Kramer with 37 seconds remaining in the second overtime period.

"We were so unlucky to lose this game," said Bluem. As good as (SCU) is, we’re a much better team."

The loss damaged FSU’s hopes for a MPSF playoff bid. The ’Dogs must defeat San Jose State on Sunday in order to keep themselves alive.

Fresno State also needs losses or ties by Stanford and Oregon State.

"We had our chances, but didn’t capitalize," Bluem said. "I can’t say enough about our effort tonight. We did everything but win."