CHICO--- The SF State's men's soccer team lost their fifth game of the year by just one goal as the Gators fell 1-0 at No. 21 Chico State this evening in a California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) contest at Chico's University Field. This also was the Gators' third lost by an 1-0 score.
“We made a mistake early in the game and Chico State made us pay for it,” said SF State Head Coach Joe Hunter. “We had our chances, but just could not convert,” added Hunter. “Tonight we had way too many errors against a good team in Chico State.”
SF State had the game's first chance in the 5th minute as
Edgar Villagrana's attempt was stopped by the Wildcats' Sam Evans. Chico State (11-4, 9-4 CCAA) had its first stopped by the Gators'
Mike McNeill (Oakdale, California, Cal State Stanislaus) stopped Ferrid Celosmanovic's attempt in the 15th minute.
Then in the 16th minute, the Wildcats' Chris Akwaja connected on a cross from Tyson Crim for the game's only goal and his seventh of the season to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Joseph Flores (Clovis, California, Clovis HS)attempt to tie the game was stopped once again by Evans in the 17th minute.
Josh Johnson and Evan Johnston tried to more distance between the Wildcats and SF State, but once against McNeill stopped both attempts by Chico State.
In the second half,
Josh Kuluris (Mission Viejo, California, Mission Viejo)attempted to tie the game but his header was saved by Evans. SF State (7-7-1, 5-7-1 CCAA) had more attempt as Kuluris' shot was blocked by the Wildcat defense.
Chico State, who is ranked second in this week's NCAA West Region poll, outshot the Gators' 11-9 and also recorded more shot on goal attempts, 6-3. The Gators did record more corner kicks than their hosts, 5-3.
McNeill had 5 saves in goal for the visitors while Evans had two in goal for Chico State.
SF State will return to the pitch this Sunday afternoon at 2pm for another CCAA game, this time with Cal State Stanislaus in Turlock. The Gators lost 3-1 to the Warriors earlier this season in San Francisco. Cal State Stanislaus defeated Cal State Monterey Bay 3-1 earlier this evening in Turlock. This will be the Gators' final road game of their regular season.
Box Score
