Fresno Fuego extends division lead with sixth straight win

Christian Chaney continued his offensive tear, scoring his 11th goal of the season just 8 minutes into the Fresno Fuego’s 3-1 win against the BYU Cougars on Saturday in Provo, Utah.

Chaney, the No. 2-ranked prospect by the Premier Development League, completed the cross from left back Elliott Hord to put Fresno in front. Fuego captain Milton Blanco doubled the lead in the 15th minute, scoring on a free kick that deflected off the shoulder of teammate Tony Torres and then by goalie Brenden Ottmen.

The Cougars (2-4-3) cut the deficit in the 31st on Ethan Meyer’s 25-yard-strike from outside the box.

Fresno (6-2-0) sealed the victory with an 88th minute counter-attack finished by substitute Peter Pearson.

It’s the sixth straight win overall and third on the road for the Fuego under interim coach Brian Zwaschka, who took over the reins May 17 after the resignation of Sean Lanigan.

Fresno pushed its lead in the Central Pacific Division to four points, with defending division champ Burlingame FC (4-3-1) at 13 and the Las Vegas Mobsters third with 12.

The Fuego will remain on the road, playing June 18 against Las Vegas at Green Valley High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Fresno Freeze – The Freeze (5-0-0) remained undefeated in the Women’s Premier Soccer League with a 5-1 win against Primero de Mayo in Sacramento.

Fresno received goals from Jaycee Ogden, Britney Quiroz, Nikki Schrey and Anessa Aragon along with an own goal. The Freeze, which has outscored opponents 18-4 in five matches, plays June 25 at San Ramon.

This story was originally published June 11, 2016 at 9:21 PM with the headline "Fresno Fuego extends division lead with sixth straight win."