Men's Soccer | 9/4/2015 8:11:00 PM
Box Score 1 SAN FRANCISCO– The SF State Gator men's soccer team started off the 2015 season on the right foot with a 1-0 shutout of the visiting Missouri-St. Louis Tritons (0-1-0) this afternoon at SF State's Cox Stadium.
Jakob Velegas's scored what proved to be the game-winner off a ball from
Sam Merritt in the 52
nd for the hosts.
Emmanuel Jimenez in his first start in goal in a Gator uniform had five saves en route to the shutout. Jack Filla had four saves in goal for the visitors.
The Gators (1-0-0) and Missouri-St. Louis each had 10 shots attempts with the Tritons holding a 5-4 advantage in shot on goal attempts. SF State did hold a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks.
It looked like the Gators were going to get on the board first in the sixth minute, but Merritt's shot was blocked by the Tritons' defense. SF State another chance be stopped by Filla in the 23
rd as Velega's attempt was nixed by the Tritons' goalkeeper in the 23
rd minute.
The visitors had a chance to take the lead late in the first half, but Jimenez stopped Jon Huelsman's attempt with five minutes left in the half. The Gators came right down the pitch, but Velega's attempts once again was blocked by the Tritons' defense as both teams went into half-time scoreless.
Missouri-St. Louis had a chance to take the lead in the 51
st minute, but Tyler Collico and Alex Rutledge each had their shots sail wide right. One minute later, the Gators took the 1-0 lead on Velega's goal off the foot of Merritt.
The Gators' defense anchored by the trio of
Adam Lenth,
Max Talbert and Jimenez stiffened up the Tritons in the final 40 minutes.
Missouri-St. Louis had a chance to tie the match in the 72
nd minute, but Leonardo Sanchez's shot was stopped by Jimenez.
The Gators had a chance to double their lead in the 88
th minute, but
Armando Flores' shot was stopped by the Tritons' goalkeeper.
SF State will now face Concordia (Ore.) at 10am on Sunday morning while Missouri-St. Louis will take on Humboldt State at 12:30pm also on Sunday at SF State's Cox Stadium,
Concordia (Ore.) defeated Humboldt State 3-2 later this afternoon at Cox Stadium as the Cavaliers scored two goals in the first 12 minutes of the match and hung on for the non-conference win. Erick Urzua, Matt Paine and Zack Naylor all scored for the victors while Paine and Urzua each had assists. Braxton Griffin and Humberto Alvarez each scored for Humboldt State.
Box Score SF State-UMSL Box Score Concordia-Humboldt StatePost-Game Video -----
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.
