SAN FRANCISCO –  The SF State Gators men's soccer snapped their losing streak this afternoon with a 2-0 win over the visiting UC San Diego Tritons (9-4-2, 4-2-2 CCAA) at SF State's Cox Stadium.  Kevin Johnson and Sam Merritt each scored goals for the victors while Daniel Boyer had two saves en route to his 4.5 shutout of the season.
 
Jakob Velega had the Gators' first chance for the lead hit the post in the first minute of the match.  The Tritons came right down the field after that and had two chances to take the lead as the Gators defense preserve the early 0-0 score.
 
Boyer stopped Sam Palano's shot and then the Gator defense blocked Malek Bashti's attempt to give the Tritons the lead in the third minute.
 
The score remained scoreless until the 39^th minute, when Johnson connected on his third goal of the season (all game-winners) on a ball from Matias Rodriguez to give the hosts the 1-0 lead.
 
SF State had two chances to double its lead but Cameron McElfresh recorded on his two saves stopping Joe Rousseau's attempt and then James Aguirre saw his shot be blocked by the Triton defense.  The Gators took a 1-0 lead into the half.
 
Ten minutes into the new half, Sam Merritt connected on a free kick from outside the box to give the Gators a 2-0 lead.  This was his third goal of the season.
 
Boyer came up big in the 60^th minute as he stopped Brandon Bauman's attempt to cut into the Gator lead.
 
Rousseau had another attempt for a Gator goal sail wide right in the 71^st minute.
 
UC San Diego had a chance to cut into the lead in the 79^th minute, but Bauman's shot was blocked. The Tritons had one more chance in the 87^th minute when Kuba Waligorski's attempt sail high as the Gators recorded their fifth shutout of the season.
 
UC San Diego outshot the Gators 11-10 including 3-2 in shots on goal and also held a 10-7 advantage in corner kicks.
  
Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.

Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments.  For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

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