SEATTLE — An early goal was the difference as the San Francisco State women's soccer team was shutout 1-0 on Thursday night by No. 5 Seattle Pacific at Interbay Stadium.
- Thursday's contest featured two reigning coaches of the year. SPU's Arby Busey was the 2021 GNAC Coach of the Year while SF State's John DeMartini was the 2021 CCAA Coach of the Year.
- The Falcons (1-0) are now 3-0 versus the Gators (0-1).
- The Gators were outshot 11-7, and 7-2 on goal.
- SPU also held a slight 4-3 corner kick advantage.
The Gators held their own in the first half, as both teams registered five shots. However, Sophie Beadle's goal in the 10th minute gave the Falcons the momentum early. The larger blow to the Gators came in the 28th minute when junior defender Allie Vargas was fouled and went down with a knee injury. Vargas had to be helped off the field but the defense remained strong, allowing just one shot the rest of the first half and keeping the Falcons scoreless the rest of the way.
Marcella Salyer was charged with the loss but made six saves for the Gators. Mercedes Cullen earned the shutout with a pair of saves.
"Seattle Pacific is super talented. We played well despite being down 1-0 at the half. We were dead even and missed three wide-open opportunities," said DeMartini. "The second half was a bit of a challenge after we lost Allie [Vargas]. Everybody stepped up gave a great effort on the road against a quality opponent."
SF State continues its tour of Washington with a non-conference contest at Central Washington, who fell 2-0 on Thursday to visiting Chico State. The Gators and Wildcats face off on Saturday, September 3 at noon.
