SAN FRANCISCO--   For the second time in less than a week, freshman forward Richard Leon scored a golden goal this time in the San Francisco State Gators 3-2 victory over the visiting Cal State Monterey Bay Otters.  Leon connected on his third goal of the season off a ball from Sam Gebremiche for the game winner in the 91^st minute in both team's CCAA opener of the 2016 season.

"For me, it's another win for us, yes its' a league game which always good to start out on a high note but more importantly its continuing to get win after win," said San Francisco State head coach Javier Ayala-Hil.

Israel Ayala gave the Otters the early 1-0 lead in the fourth minute off a ball from Adam Voloder for his third goal of the season.  San Francisco State (4-1, 1-0 CCAA) had a chance to tie the match at 1-1 when Andrew Garcia stopped by Ranier Plantino's shot in the fourth minute.  The Gators had another chance to tie the match, but Andy Altmirano's shot sailed wide right.  The score remained 1-0 Cal State Monterey Bay until late in the half when Sam Gebremiche connected on his first goal of the season off a cross from Francisco Saucedo. 

The hosts had a chance to take the lead but Aydan Bower's shot sailed wide right to send the match into the second half tied at 1-1.

"I felt that we stuck to our game plan, I thought we were going to be okay because we were creating a lot of chances early on, despite being a goal down," added Ayala-Hil.  "I had full confidence if we stuck to our game plan, eventually were going to get our chances."

San Francisco State (4-1, 1-0 CCAA) took a 2-1 lead on Plantinos' third goal of the season off a ball Ashley Watson from 20 yards out that went over the goalkeeper's head in the 58^th minute.  The Otters had a chance to tie the match at 60:19, but Emmanuel Jimenez stopped the Otters' Alejandro Garcia from tying the match for the visitors.  11 minutes later, the Otters tied the match at 2-2 on a free kick from the left side of the goal by Jovani Delacruz.

James Aguirre had a chance to be the hero late in regulation for the Gators, but his shot sailed wide left to send the match tied at 2-2 heading into overtime.  Not even a minute into the overtime period, Richard Leon scored the golden goal for the hosts off a ball from Sam Gebremiche as the Gators took the conference opener 3-2.

The Gators outshot the Otters 21-8 including 11-5 in the second half.  They also held an 8-1 corner kick advantage.  Jimenez had one save in goal for the victors with Garcia recording five for the guests.
San Francisco State will end its season opening six-match home stand with another conference game as they host Chico State this Friday, September 16 at 12:30pm at Cox Stadium. 
-----
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.