SAN FRANCISCO--  The San Francisco State Gators defeated their first nationally ranked opponent since the 2010 season as the hosts rallied from a 1-0 early deficit to defeat the No. 13 Chico State Wildcats 2-1 this afternoon in a CCAA match at Cox Stadium.  Sierra Sagasta connected on a counterattack by the Gator offense off a ball from Natasha Gosiaco and Kimber Lohman for what proved to be the game-winner in the 68^th minute.

"We are improving each game which is exactly what you want to see as a coach," said San Francisco State head coach Tracy Hamm.  "We played with a lot of heart and confidence today.  We executed our game plan well, finished our chances, and looked confident doing it. I'm very proud of our performance against a very tough and quality Chico team."

The win snaps the Wildcat (4-1-1, 0-1 CCAA) streak at five as the Gators now have won four matches in a row and improved to 4-1-1 overall and 2-0 in the CCAA.  Chico State took the early 1-0 lead in the 11^th minute as Korie Bozart connected on a ball from Pooja Patel from 30 yards out for her third goal of the season.  The Wildcats did not hold that lead for long as Kimber Lohman tied the match at 1-1 in the 22^nd minute off a ball from Jada Williams for her third goal of the season.

Lohman's shot and goal (San Francisco State's first of the match) ended two impressive defensive streaks for the Wildcats: It was the first shot the Wildcats had allowed in 209 minutes and 56 seconds, and the first goal they had allowed in 377 minutes and 33 seconds.  It looked like the Gators were going to take the lead in the 23^rd minute, but Laura Shea's shot sailed high over the goal.  The Wildcats came right down the field and tried to retake the lead, but Carlie Reader's shot sailed wide left.
 
The hosts had another chance to take the lead in the 30^th minute, but Kayleen Belda's shot was stopped by Chico State's Caitlyn Duval.  Chico State had one last chance in the half to retake the lead, but Patel's shot hit the crossbar as the match went tied at 1-1 heading into the half.

San Francisco State had two chances early in the second half for the lead, but Paige Yeider's shot was stopped by Duval and Williams had her shot sail wide left.Then at the 67:07 mark of regulation, the Gators' Sierra Sagasta scored her team leading fourth goal of the season and second game-winner of the season to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.  The Gators took the 2-1 lead, using a quintet of quick passes to quickly move the ball down the field on a counterattack. That set up Sagasta's shot that snuck just inside the right post. 

The Gators had two chances in the next ten minutes to increase their lead but the Chico State defense stopped Sarah Guensler and Jada Williams' attempts of the hosts doubling their lead.  Chico State had one final chance to tie the match at 2-2 when Christina Holguin snared Emily Curry's game-tying goal as the Gators held on for the 2-1 win.

Holguin finished the match with three saves in goal for the Gators while Duval had five in goal for Chico State.  The Gators held a 12-11 advantage in shot attempts, 7-4 shot on goal advantage and a 4-2 corner kick advantage.

San Francisco State will begin a season long five-match road trip this Sunday, September 18 at 1pm for a non-conference match at Merritt College in Oakland against Holy Names University. 
-----
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.