Aug. 29, 2008

Box Score

BERKELEY, CA - Cal State Fullerton senior defender Jenae Gibbens netted the game-winning goal in the closing seconds of the first overtime on Friday night, lifting the Titans to a 3-2 extra-time victory over host and No. 15-ranked California in the opener of the California Invitational in Berkeley, Calif.

Fullerton improved to 2-0 overall on the season with the victory and remained unbeaten against the Golden Bears, improving to 3-0-1 all-time in the series. California fell to 1-1 overall on the season.

Alex Morgan and Nikki Schrey gave the Golden Bears the early 2-0 lead at halftime, netting goals five minutes apart in the first half.

However, the Titans responded on scores from sophomore Christina Murillo in the 52nd minute and Tamara Dewey on a penalty kick in the 79th minute to tie the match.

Gibbens then scored the game-winner with six seconds remaining in the first overtime period, scoring off a free kick from the left side for the final 3-2 advantage.

All four of Fullerton's goals have come after halftime this season.

California outshot the Titans, 21-7, and put 10 shots on goal to Fullerton's four. Sophomore goalkeeper Shannon Simpson made six saves in net for the Titans.

Cal State Fullerton returns to the field on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., as the Titans take on Saint Mary's in the final day of tournament play to determine the tournament champion. The Gaels were 2-1 overtime winners over St. Joseph's in the invitational's other match-up on Friday.