Match Recap 05.09.2013 – Fresno Fuego FC

Fuego, Cougars Finish Tied
Fresno takes 0-0 draw in home opener
Thursday, May 9, 2013 

FRESNO, Calif.

— The Fresno Fuego controlled most of their 2013 home opener at Chukchansi Park on Thursday, but after several last-ditch effort saves by the BYU Cougars, the game ended tied 0-0 in front of a crowd of 4,617. The Fuego are now 1-0-1 in their Premier Development League regular season. The Fuego outshot BYU 11-4 throughout the match, including an 8-1 shot advantage in the first half. The BYU defense was forced to bail out goalie Brian Hale on several Fuego scoring chances as the Fuego faced several open-net opportunities. In the 20th minute, a BYU defender was able to clear the ball off the line to force a corner, but on the subsequent corner kick, the BYU defense cleared another shot heading towards an empty net to keep the match scoreless at the halftime break. The Fuego had another opportunity in the 55th minute after BYU turned the ball over near midfield. John Caceres was able to break in on goal, and was able to get past Cougars goalkeeper Brian Hale before shooting toward an empty net, only for BYU defender Alex Neff to clear the ball in front of the goal. The Cougars registered their first shot of the match in the 33rd minute. Fuego goalkeeper Gilbert Vega made a leaping save on the shot delivered from the right flank. All three of BYU’s shots in the second half sailed well above the cross bar. Of Fuego’s 11 shots, meanwhile, nine were on goal. Hale, though was able to earn the shutout and keep the Cougars undefeated after two games, also at 1-0-1.

The Fuego return to action on Friday, May 24th when they take on the LA Misioneros at Chukchansi Park. The Fuego defeated the Misioneros 1-0 in the season opener last Saturday night.