SAN FRANCISCO– The SF State Gators improved to 3-0 with their third consecutive shutout this afternoon in the First Round of the Kezar Classic at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. The Gators defeated the Dominican (Calif.) Penguins 3-0 and will face Academy of Art this Saturday afternoon at 4pm in the Second Round of the Classic. This was the first time in school history that the Gators opened up the season with three straight shutouts. It was also the first time since 1946, that they opened up the season 3-0.
SF State's defense hold the Penguins (0-2) without a shot on goal attempt while recording three of its own shot on goal attempts. The Gators also had an 8-0 advantage in corner kicks while recording 14 shots to Dominican's 8.
The Gators looked like they were going to take the lead in the third minute, when
Emmanuel Serrano's shot was blocked by the Penguin defense. Dominican had a chance for the 1-0 lead, but Roberto Macias' shot was blocked in the 17
th minute.
Daniel Herrera had a chance for his first goal in a Gator uniform stopped by the Penguins' Patrick Rabbitt in the 28
th minute. Then three minutes later,
Joe Rousseau connected on a field long boot by the Gators'
Emmanuel Jimenez for the match's first goal to give SF State a 1-0 lead.
Dominican had a chance to tie the match in the 38
th minute, but Micha Alo's shot sailed wide and then in the 40
th minute Bryan Juarez's shot was blocked by the Gator defense to send the match into halftime with a Gator 1-0 lead.
SF State doubled its lead in the 73
rd minute as
Jakob Velega connected on his second goal of the season off a long throw by
Robert Kelly that was headed to Ayden Bowers who then headed it to Velega to give the Gators a 2-0 lead.
Armando Flores saw his chance to give the Gators a 3-0 lead sail high over the net in the 74
th minute.
The Gators sealed the win in the 81
st minute, when
Max Talbert connected on a corner kick from
Nigus Solomon as SF State increased its lead to 3-0.
Patrick Rabbitt had one save in goal for the Penguins in the first half while Christian Lathrop had none in the second half in goal for Dominican. Jimenez recorded no saves in goal for the Gators en route to his third shutout of the season.
The Gators will return to the pitch this Saturday, September 12 as they take on Academy of Art at 4pm at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. The Urban Knights are currently hosting Chico State in the second match of the Kezar Classic.
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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.
