SAN FRANCISCO — Late heroics at both ends of the field lifted the San Francisco State men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Cal State East Bay on Thursday at Cox Stadium.
- The Gators improve to 3-6-2 overall and notch their first win in CCAA action, moving to 1-3-1. The Pioneers slip to 7-4-1 overall and 2-3 in CCAA action.
- CSUEB held a 6-4 corner kick advantage, though the Gators scored the equalizer off of a corner kick.
- SF State held a 9-8 shot advantage, including 5-4 on goal.
Things didn't look good when the Pioneers took advantage of a Gators miscue early in the fourth minute. Aaron Farnan and Tim Cerjak doubled teamed goalkeeper Mario De La Torre and Cerjak stripped the ball from De La Torre, then scored on an open goal. The Gators looked determined to score before the half ended. In the 31st minute, they took advantage of their fourth corner kick of the day when Julio Gonzalez Ponce played a perfect ball into Angel Herrera, who connected for his first goal of the season.
The score remained tied until the 87th minute when the Gators notched what turned out to be the game-winner. In a physical match that saw 23 fouls and three cautions, the Gators drew a foul the bottom of the circle at midfield.
Pablo Salazar played a high, looping ball into the box and Issac Sandoval rose up and headed it to the far post for his first goal of the season.
Mario De La Torre started the match and allowed a goal before later exiting with an injury.
Fernando Escobedo Guzman (2-3) made one crucial save, diving to his left to stop a PK in the 73rd minute. Adán Corona took the loss and made three saves while allowing both goals.
SF State heads south for a single match at Cal State San Marcos on Sunday, October 15 at 2 p.m. Live stats will be available at sfstategators.com and fans can stream the game live on the CCAA Network. Live updates will also be provided on X at @sfstate_msoc.
