SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco State men's team earned its second CCAA victory of the season on Sunday in a 2-1 victory over Cal State Monterey Bay.
"I thought the team played fantastic and it was a good result for us at home," said Head Coach
Javier Ayala-Hil. "The back line has been doing a terrific job this season and it's good to see Aydan score on a set piece today. Our attacking group has been doing well, whoever it is, they've been consistent for us."
Sophomore
Richard Leon gave SF State the early advantage with his goal in the 22nd minute from the assist by
Jesse Rodriguez. Rodriguez sent the ball to the other half of the field, where Leon settled the ball, jumped over a tackle, and finished from the right side to the far post.
CSUMB had a chance to tie it in the 37th minute but the SF State defense was there for the block. The defense played a key role. The Gators dominated possession and when they didn't have the ball they went and got it.
Aydan Bowers won most of his 50-50 balls and even got his head on a corner kick for his first goal of the season. The junior midfielder netted his first goal of the season in the 39th minute off of a beautiful set piece by
Nigus Solomon.
SF State looked to further the lead in the second half. Carlo Truejeque leal had a good look in the 69th minute but a nice save denied him and
Richard Leon hit the post in the 71st minute.
The lone Otter goal of the day was the result of a foul outside of the box in the 74th minute. Makenna Pendleton took the shot and his shot curved to the right past a diving
Kyle Harmina. Three minutes later, SF State avoided another scare and potential tie when Luis Lopez's shot slammed off the post. The Otters were not allowed another scoring opportunity after that.
SF State sets out on the road for its next four matches, all in Southern California, before returning home to Cox Stadium on Friday, Oct. 20. vs. Cal Poly Pomona. The first 250 students in attendance at that day's matches will receive a free SF State soccer scarf.
