FORBES SCORES EARLY, DEFENSE HOLDS UC SANTA BARBARA IN 1-0 WOMEN'S SOCCER VICTORY

8/30/2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - 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 UC Santa Barbara on Sunday, Aug. 30 at Hornet Soccer Field.

With the win the Hornets remain unbeaten at 2-0-1, while the Gauchos fall to 1-2-0.

Sacramento State 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 'keeper 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 they would take into halftime.

Early in the second half, the Gauchos 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, a foul was called on UCSB for a foul at the top of the six box, negating the goal.

UC Santa Barbara 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 at bey, despite the ball residing in the Hornets 18 box the majority of the second half.

The Hornets almost added insurance 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 away two point blank shots, and punching away many dangerous crosses. She finished the match with six saves, and recorded her tenth career clean sheet.

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 Hornets return to action on Friday, Sept. 4 as they host the Dominican University Penguins. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., and is game one of a doubleheader with the men's soccer team, who plays UC Riverside at 5 p.m.