SAN FRANCISCO-- The San Francisco State Gators improved to 3-1 with a 5-0 victory over the Academy of Art Urban Knights. The five goals were the most scored by a Gator men's soccer team since September 16, 2012, when they defeated Cal Maritime 6-0. With the win, the Gators finished the weekend 2-0 and captured the Golden Gate Classic.
"Overall, the team had a fantastic weekend as we grinded out two wins," said San Francisco State head coach
Javier Ayala-Hil. "The team rewarded themselves today by scoring five goals, I've been stressing to the team that we need to put the ball into the back of the net."
The Gators controlled the match as they held a 12-6 advantage in shot attempts, 9-3 shot on goal advantage and 3-1 corner kick advantage.
Emmanuel Jimenez recorded three saves en route to his third shutout of the season and 9.5 of his career at San Francisco State.
Andy Altamirano put the Gators on the board just eight minutes into the match as he connected on a cross by
Ranier Plantinos to give the hosts the early 1-0 lead. San Francisco State had a chance to double its lead at the 25 minute mark, when
Emmanuel Serrano's shot sailed high over the net and then two minutes later
Brandt Dixon's shot also sailed high over the net for the Gators.
The Gators had two chances in the final nine minute of the half to take a 2-0 lead, but Kevin Mendez stopped both
James Aguirre and
Denis Rivas' shot on goal attempts. The match went into the second half with the hosts leading 1-0. The score did not remain 1-0 long as Plantinos connected on a cross by
Jonny Villeda just five minutes into the second half to increase the Gator lead to 2-0.
Just seven minutes later, the Gators doubled their lead to 4-0 as both Plantinos and Villeda scored goals. Plantinos goal came off a cross by Altamirano at the 62:28 mark and then at 63:10, Villeda connected on a ball from Plantinos.
With 23 minutes left in regulation,
KJ Ahlo connected on a penalty kick to make the final score 5-0.The Gators had one final chance for their sixth goal be stopped by the Urban Knights' defense off the foot of
Sam Gebremiche.
Four Gators were named to the 2016 Golden Gate Classic All-Tournament Team in
Aydan Bowers,
Emmanuel Jimenez,
Richard Leon and
Ranier Plantinos, who was named the Tournament Most Valuable Player.
The Gators will begin CCAA play this coming week with two home matches. They will host Cal State Monterey Bay this Wednesday, September 16. Then two days later, the Gators will host Chico State. Both matches will start at 12:30pm at Cox Stadium.
"I'm excited to begin league play this coming week, but to me it's just another match in the season," added Ayala-Hil.
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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.
