Bridgeport, Conn.---- In first match of the University of Bridgeport Soccer Kickoff, it was the SF State Gators blanking Briarcliffe College (NY) 2-0 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on the campus of the University of Bridgeport.  With the win, the Gators improve to 2-0 while Briarcliffe falls to 0-1.

            “The guys showed a lot of perseverance this afternoon as this is a different style of soccer on the East Coast,” said SF State Head Coach Joe Hunter.  “Today we got better effort from our reserves,” added Hunter.  “(Roberto) Escobar's goal was nice as he had a run of 40 yards before kicking it in and (Antonio) Ugarte's goal also was nice off a good ball from Wes (Whitt).”  “It will be a tough battle on Sunday against the Purple of Knights of Bridgeport.”

            The match was scoreless in the first half with the Gators recording 7 shots to Briarcliffe's three.  Roberto Escobar (San Francisco, California, Mission HS) then broke the tie 69 seconds into the second half on a long solo run of 40 yards before connecting on his first collegiate goal.  SF State sealed the match at the 82:31 mark, whenAntonio Ugarte (Danville, Calforna, San Ramon Valley ) connected on a cross from Wes Whitt (Alpine, California) to make it 2-0 Gators.  Whitt's assist gives him 10 for his career, which ties him for ninth on the Gator all-time career list in assists.  He is one away from moving into eighth place and two from being tied for fourth. 

            SF State out shot Briarcliffe 18-7 while Israel Cisneros (Watsonville, California, Hartnell College) had four saves in goal for the Gators en route to his first shutout of the season and third of his career.  Steven Diaz had eight saves for Briarcliffe.    

            The Gators will play their second match of the Bridgeport Soccer Kickoff this Sunday at 12pm Eastern Time against the host, Purple Knights of the University of Bridgeport.  The Purple Knights will face Caldwell College this evening at 7pm Eastern Time.

Box Score