SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco State women's soccer team found themselves in another battle on Sunday morning at Cox Stadium. After giving up an equalizer early in the second half, the Gators stormed back to come away with the 2-1 victory over visiting Regis.
- The Gators move to 1-1 on the season while the Rangers remain in search of their first win after also losing 2-1 to Chico State on Thursday.
- Regis is picked to finish fourth in the 13-team RMAC.
- The two teams each held possession for half the contest.
- The Gators had an 8-7 shot advantage, with a 5-4 shot on goal advantage.
- Both teams attempted six corner kicks.
San Francisco State grabbed the lead in the 27th minute when Brynn Reyes played a ball near the midfield to Lauren François, who buried a shot from the top left of the box. The junior, who had played only six goals in her first two seasons, has made an instant impact in her move to defender, scoring in her second career start.
The Gators' lead held through halftime until the 53rd minute. The Rangers stopped a Gators run just over the half line, then countered with a run down the middle of the field. Elsa Nolen passed ahead to Sarah Wynn, which resulted in the equalizer.
SF State responded by going on the attack. Taylor Reed fired off a shot in the 63rd minute that was saved, then in the 70th minute Grace Messenger put the pressure on with a shot. Her shot to the low center was saved but Emily Gehrlein-Allen was there amidst the chaos at the net for the putback and the eventual gamewinner.
With time expiring, Madison Cullinan tried to sneak a last-second shot but Gators goalkeeper Cameryn Nunn alerty saved the ball.
Nunn (1-1) recorded three saves en route to the win. Maggie Payne had a busy day in net for the Rangers and also made three saves, and prevented some other scoring opportunities.
"Super happy for the team, they've worked incredibly hard over the last three weeks. The group that we worked with in the Spring is really coming together.
Congratulations to Lauren, who's worked tirelessly to get to this point and has found a way to not only work her way into the starting lineup but to make valuable contributions," said Head Coach
John DeMartini. "And Emily is already playing at a high level as a freshman. We gave up that goal but found ways to keep attacking and it paid off today."
SF State hosts Menlo on Thursday, September 12 at 3 p.m. Live stats will be available at sfstategators.com and fans can stream the match live on FloFC.
