SAN FRANCISCO--    The San Francisco State Gators let an early 1-0 lead slip through their hands this afternoon in their regular season home opener as they lost 2-1 to the visiting Central Washington Wildcats. 

"The game was going to a physical contest, which we knew going into," said San Francisco State head coach Tracy Hamm. "Unfortunately, we didn't match their intensity and failed to come out on top."
 
In the seventh minute, it looked like the Gators were going to take an 1-0 lead but Autumn Fox's shot attempt was stopped by Central Washington's Emily Holt.  Just coming into sub in the 15^th minute and seeing her first action in over a year, Sarah Guensler connected on a ball from Autumn Fox and Bianca Lowe to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

San Francisco State did not hold on long to that lead as Central Washington knotted the score at 1-1 on an unassisted goal by Keilan Farrand in the 25^th minute.

"Sarah Guensler had a very nice goal from a fantastic service from (Autumn) Fox," added Hamm. "They were able to equalize on a good shot from distance and then take advantage of poor defensive shape on their second goal." 

The Gators (0-1) had a chance to take the lead late in the first half, but Taylor Halstenson's shot sailed wide right as the match went into halftime tied at 1-1.
 
Arianna Wesley made two of her four saves on the day early in the second half as she stopped Michaela Wallace and Allie Bohnett's shot in the 49^th and 56^th minute respectively.
 
The hosts had two chances in the 58^th minute to take the lead, but Kimber Lohman's shots were stopped by Holt.
 
In the 75^th minute, the Wildcats (1-0) took a 2-1 lead as Emily Seelbach connected on a ball from Whitney Lowe for what proved to be the game-winnner.
 
The Gators had two chances in the final ten minutes to tie the match at 2-2, but Halstenson and Liz Border's shots were stopped by Holt as she finished the day with six saves.
 
"We will respond well with a different mentality, free of excuses and more accountability," noted the second-year mentor.
 
San Francisco State will return to the pitch this Sunday afternoon at noon when the Gators host Dominican University of California at Cox Stadium.  The Penguins played to a scoreless tie with Menlo College this afternoon in their home opener. 
 
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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.