SAN FRANCISCO--    San Francisco State freshman striker Richard Leon connected on the golden goal in the 98^th minute to give the Gators a 1-0 victory over Holy Names University in the First Round of the Golden Gate Classic at Cox Stadium.  The Gators will now face Academy of Art this Saturday at 4pm in the final game of the classic.  Academy of Art tied 2-2 with Stanislaus State earlier this afternoon.

"What a fantastic finish by Richard (Leon), it was a great ball by him," said Gator head coach Javier Ayala-Hil.  "Another shutout, another win as we controlled the majority of the match.  Sometimes you have to grind out to get the win."

The Gators (2-1) recorded their second straight shutout of the season with Emmanuel Jimenez in goal as he recorded one save in goal for San Francisco State.

San Francisco State outshot its opponent 20-3 including 6-1 in shot on goal attempts.The Gators had a chance early on to take the lead, but Francisco Saucedo's shot was stopped by the Hawks' Juan Nieves in the sixth minute.  They had three chances late in the half to take the lead, but Jonny Villleda, Miles Burditt and Aydan Bowers' shot attempts all came up short to send the game scoreless into the second half.

The Gators had several shots to take the lead in the second half including in the 75^th minute when Nieves recorded one of his six saves on the day stopping Jesse Rodriguez's shot. 

Holy Names (0-3) had their only chance to take the lead in the 85^th minute sail wide off the foot of Josiah Romero.  Then in the final seconds of regulation, Saucedo's shot sailed wide to send the match into overtime.
Villeda had a chance early in the overtime period to be the hero for the Gators, but Nieves came up big for the Hawks.  The Hawks had their only shot on goal attempt in the 97^th minute be stopped by Jimenez off the foot of Josiah Romero. 

Then one minute later, Leon connected on the golden goal in the 98^th minute for the victors on an unassisted goal. 

"We are looking forward to facing Academy of Art with a quick turnaround on Saturday afternoon," added Ayala-Hil.

At 1pm on Saturday, Holy Names will face Stanislaus State with the Gators taking on Academy of Art at 4pm. 
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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.