SAN FRANCISCO — The fourth-seded San Francisco State women's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw at home on Sunday afternoon versus fifth-seeded Cal State LA in the first round of the 2021 CCAA Women's Soccer Tournament but fell 5-3 in penalty kicks.
- The Golden Gators, picked to finish last in the 12-team conference, finish at 8-8-3 while the Golden Eagles move to 6-9-3 and advance to the semifinals to face top-seeded Sonoma State.
- Both teams attempted six shots, while the Gators held a slight 4-3 shots on goal advantage.
- SF State also held a 4-3 corner kick advantage.
The Golden Eagles wasted no time applying pressure. Imra Pinzon had an opportunity in the first minute but SF State goalkeeper
Marcella Salyer was there for the stop. The quick Pinzon had another opportunity in the fifth minute when she beat the Gators defense and forced Salyer to come out. Salyer wasn't able to get there in time, Pinzon beat another defender and finished for the early lead.
Neither team recorded another shot until the 38th minute.
Glory Smith played a ball into Kyle Schneider but her shot was blocked. The Gators converted just a minute later though.
Glory Smith struck a shot from the middle of the box and had her shot saved by
Carissa Capinpin was there with the follow for her second goal of the season.
SF State nearly took the lead off a corner kick in the 41st minute but the Golden Eagles cleared the ball off the line.
The teams battled to a scoreless second half. With eight minutes left, Smith had a free kick from the top of the box. Her ball bent but went just high of the goal.
With less than five minutes remaining in double overtime, Salyer batted a cross out to stave off a scoring opportunity for the Golden Eagles. The Gators had an opportunity of their own with 2:20 left but their corner kick was intercepted by Olivia Spanish.
The match came down to penalty kicks. Smith and
Sydney Yuen answered a pair of LA shots but the Gators' third PK, attempted by
Alyna Flores, went high.
Julia Hagedorn converted her attempt but the Golden Eagles sealed it on Kimberly Gamez's successful PK, edging the Gators 5-3.
Marcella Salyer made two saves and allowed one goal in 110 minutes. Areli Reyes allowed a goal and made two saves in the first half for the Golden Eagles. Spanish came on in the second half for Cal State LA and made two saves. Reyes came back on for penalty kicks but neither goalkeeper made a save.
"This was a disappointing way to end the season but that can't take away from what an amazing season it's been," said Head Coach
John DeMartini. "The growth in leadership, culture, in team is absolutely amazing. The future is incredibly bright. Despite this loss, things are trending up at San Francisco State."
