SACRAMENTO – Senior Ashley Forbes scored a goal in the ninth minute, and sophomore goalkeeper Savannah Abercrombie collected her second straight shutout, as the Sacramento State women’s soccer team defeated UCSB 1-0 on Sunday at Hornet Soccer Field.
Sacramento State (2-0-1) had one strong opportunity in the first 45 minutes of play, but they were able to take advantage of it. Sophomore Elece McBride won a ball at midfield and connected on a perfect through-ball to the right foot of Forbes. Gaucho goalkeeper Tammy Lenham was drawn outside of the 18 and Forbes successfully chipped the ball over her head and into the back of the net to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead that would hold the for the rest of the way.
Early in the second half, the Gauchos (1-2-0) had appeared to tie it at 1-1, as Jacqui Simon’s corner cross found the head of Nicole Romanowski, who was able to find the back of the net. However, UCSB was whistled for a foul at the top of the six box, negating the goal.
UCSB continued to have chances down the stretch, including a 63rd minute shot by Kailyn Kugler that hit the far post and bounded away from the goal. But Sacramento State was able to keep the Gauchos off the scoreboard, despite the ball residing in the Hornets 18 box the majority of the second half.
Sacramento State almost added an insurance tally in the 83rd minute, as sophomore Caitlin Pulver came in as a late sub and blasted a shot from the top of the 18 that was just high of the goal, momentarily confusing fans who thought she had scored.
For the match the Gauchos outshot the Hornets 19-8, and led in shots on goal 7-3. Abercrombie was big in goal in the second half for the Hornets, deflecting two point blank shots, and punching away many dangerous crosses. She finished the match with six saves, and recorded her tenth career shutout.
Forbes was the lone Hornet to post more than one shot, while the Gauchos were led by three shots from Jessie Edmonds and two shots apiece from six different players.
The Gauchos, now 1-2-0, return home to host Michigan State on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium. It will be UCSB’s only home contest in the first seven matches of the year.
