Broncos Take On Bulldogs In MW Semifinal Action

Mountain West Championship Semifinal
(6) Boise State (11-6-3/4-4-3 MW) vs. (2) Fresno State (9-6-3/7-3-1 MW)
Thursday, Nov. 3 | 2 p.m. MT
Boise, Idaho | Boas Soccer Complex
Follow Along: MW Network | Live Stats | Tickets

WHAT'S NEXT: Boise State women's soccer (11-6-3/4-4-3 MW) continues its improbable late-season run, hosting second-seeded Fresno State (9-6-3/7-3-1 MW) in a Mountain West Championship semifinal matchup Thursday afternoon at Boas Soccer Complex.

LAST TIME OUT: The sixth-seeded Broncos upset third-seed San Diego State 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Morgan Miles. In the 23rd minute Miles collected the rebound of a saved Morgan Stone shot and sent it across the goal and and into the back of the net for the match-winner.

Goalkeeper Sydney Smith blanked the Aztecs to earn the 18th clean sheet of her career, tying Janelle Flores for the program record in career shutouts. The win advanced Boise State to its fourth-straight conference-semifinal.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Broncos are looking to advance to their second-straight conference championship game, and the third in the Jim Thomas era.

Homefield advantage will play a role in getting them there as Boise State continues to play well at Boas Soccer Complex, boasting a record of 8-1-1. The Broncos are unbeaten in their last five matches in front of Bronco Nation, sporting a record of 4-0-1.

Boise State continues to find its goals from a variety of sources within the team. 14 different Broncos have scored a goal this season, and 11 of those 14 also have at least one assist. That diversity has made the Blue and Orange tough to stop for opposing defenses as they have averaged 1.50 goals per game this season.

SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS: Fresno State earned the second seed in the MW Championship after a 7-3-1 conference season. Head coach Brian Zwaschka is no stranger to the tournament as he prepares his team for its fourth-straight postseason appearance.

The Bulldog offense scored the most goals of any Mountain West team in league play this season, netting 20 over 11 matches. This is thanks, in large part, to forwards Kaelyn Miller - whose six goals lead the MW - and Kassandra Ceja - tied for second in the league with five goals.

Fresno State also boasts a stout defense that tied for second in goals allowed in league play, giving up an average of one per match. The Bulldogs like to rotate between two goalkeepers, Valentina Vivas and Ella Wilson, often playing them each for a half.

The all-time series between the two rivals sits at an even 11-11-2. Boise State was victorious in the regular season meeting between the two, winning 2-1 on home soil. This marks only the second time the two teams have faced off in the MW Championship. The last such matchup was back in 2013 when the Broncos won 2-1 in double overtime to advance to the championship match.

FOLLOW THE ACTION: Live video and stats are available on your computer and mobile device. Find the links to the video stream and live stats by going to the team schedule page on BroncoSports.com.

Keep up with Bronco Soccer by following the team on Twitter (@BroncoSportsSOC), Facebook (@bsu.wsoc) and Instagram (boisestatesoccer). Also be sure to download the brand-new Bronco Sports App for even more content from Boise State Athletics.

TICKETS: Information on how to purchase tickets online can be found on BroncoSports.com. Fans have the option to purchase an all-session pass for $25, or can purchase tickets for individual sessions for $12.

Masks will be required for those in attendance, and a clear-bag policy will be enforced at the gate. Details on the clear-bag policy can be found at BroncoSports.com

Tickets: https://am.ticketmaster.com/boisestateathl/mwcsocchampionship
Clear Bag Policy: https://broncosports.com/documents/2021/8/25/BSU_Clear_Bag_Graphic.pdf

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Players Mentioned

Morgan Padour

Sydney Smith

Morgan Stone