SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco State women's soccer team had its home debut spoiled by visiting Hawai'i Hilo, 3-0, on Thursday afternoon at Cox Stadium.
- The two teams entered 1-1-1 all time and the Vulcans (2-0) leave with the series advantage over the Gators (0-3).
- UHH held a 14-6 shot advantage, including 6-5 shots on goal.
- The Vulcans also held a 6-4 corner kick advantage.
Filippa Graneld was a thorn in the Gators' side for the second consecutive season. Last season, the Sweden native scored in the 88th minute of 1-0 contest. She went on to nab D2CCA Second Team All-West Region and PacWest Newcomer of the Year honors. This season, Graneld wasted little time when she gave the Vulcans the lead in the 15th minute. Three minutes later, she doubled the lead. The Gators played to a 2-0 deficit at the end of the half.
In the 74th minute, reigning PacWest Player of the Year Daelynn Tokunaga broke down the Gators offense and passed ahead to Nanea Wall, who was able to chip it past SF State goalkeeper Marcella Salyer. The Gators answered though, and prevented the shutout in the 84th minute. Lexi Wright played the ball up the middle of the field and dished to AJ Tanner, who booted the ball from well outside the 18-yard box to the far left post. Alexa Avelar was there as insurance but Tanner's shot had already crossed the plane, giving Tanner her second career goal.
Salyer (0-3) made three saves and allowed all three Vulcans goals in 73 minutes of action. Kylie Tone made her first Gators appearance and did not face a shot and in the final 17 minutes. Lolo Retsky (2-0) did not make a save but picked up the win for the Vulcans.
"Losses are always disappointing but there were some really bright spots from our freshmen and second-year players really coming in and competing and changing the dynamic of the game," said Head Coach
John DeMartini. "The second half was more indicative of who we are. They score, we answer. It's still early, we're moving positions around and we're trying to figure out the puzzle out, and we a few more games before conference to work that out."
The Gators will take a short drive in search of their first win of the season on Sunday, September 11 when Academy of Art hosts a noon match at CCSF Soccer Field. Lie stats will be available at sfstategators.com with live video provided by ART U. Live updates will also be provided on Twitter at @sfstate_wsoc.
