SAN FRANCISCO--    Despite holding a 10-7 shot advantage and 7-2 corner kick advantage, the San Francisco State Gator dropped a nail biter 1-0 to the visiting Hope International Royals (2-0-1) in their regular season home opener.  Jorge Pineda scored what proved to be the game winning goal in the 19^th minute for the Royals. 

"Tough result this afternoon," said San Francisco State head men's soccer coach Javier Ayala-Hil.  "We had some really good moments and created many goal scoring opportunities," added Ayala-Hil. "This is a great learning experience for the players and we will move forward and look to make another jump in our play."

The Gators (0-1) held a 10-7 advantage in shots including 5-2 in the second half.  The hosts also held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks. 

The hosts had a chance early in the first half to take a 1-0 lead but Ranier Plantinos' shot was stopped by the Royals' Ryan Brown.  The Gators kept pressing but James Aguirre's header sailed wide left in the 11^th minute. 

The score remained scoreless until the 19^th minute when Jorge Pineda connected on a ball from Thales Serra to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.  San Francisco State had a chance to tie the match at 1-1 in the 34^th minute, but hey missed a penalty kick as it hit the post.

Hope International took a 1-0 lead heading into the second half.  The Gators came out strong in the second half as Ashley Watson's shot on goal attempt was stopped by Brown in the 50^th minute. Then six minutes later, Nolan Parker's shot was blocked.

The Royals had a chance to double their lead, but Emmanuel Jimenez made one of his three saves on the afternoon in 66^th minute stopping Thales' shot attempt.

The hosts had two corner kick chances late in the game but could not take advantage of them to tie the match at 1-1 as the Royals hung on for a 1-0 victory.

San Francisco State and Hope International will return to the pitch this Saturday, September 3 for Day Two of the San Francisco State Classic.  The Royals will face Humboldt State in the opener at 1pm and the Gators will host William Jessup at 4pm at Cox Stadium.

Humboldt State (1-0) defeated William Jessup in the second game today as Johan Muliadi connected on a penalty kick in the 78^th minute for what proved to be the game-winner for the Lumberjacks.
 
 
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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.