SF State midfielder Denis Vezina (11) attempting to cross the ball for a teammate during a 0-0 draw at Cox Stadium versus Chico State on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. (Jack Davies / Golden Gate Xpress) (Jack Davies)
SF State midfielder Denis Vezina (11) attempting to cross the ball for a teammate during a 0-0 draw at Cox Stadium versus Chico State on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. (Jack Davies / Golden Gate Xpress)
The SF State men’s soccer team ended with a 0-0 tie for the second straight game Sunday, at Cox Stadium.
While the Gators outshoot Chico State 9-6, they registered just four shots on target and were unable to capitalize.
With the draw, the Gators have now tied in half of their contests, with a record of 2-2-4 and were unable to score a goal in both games this weekend.
“It is really frustrating because we were working hard to win games every single week, every single practice,” said forward Julio Gonzalez Ponce. “So we got to keep working and keep improving what is missing in the games.”
In the first half, the Gators had three shots to the Wildcat’s zero. More opportunities opened up for both teams in the second half, as each team shot the ball six times. SF State got four shots on target while Chico State had none.
SF State’s head coach Pedro Osório is encouraged the offense will come along but loves what he has seen from the defensive side of the field.
“Having back-to-back shutouts is a really positive sign for us,” Osório said. “Our defensive line has been playing well, our goalkeeper’s been playing well. But I think even more importantly is our mentality collectively. To get a shutout and to dig in and play on that side of the ball has been a lot better.”
As the game was nearing its 90-minute conclusion, both teams became more aggressive in an attempt to get the game-winning goal.
In the 88th minute, Chico State had a few shots that resulted in a corner kick. SF State cleared the ball, which created a counter-attack.
SF State Forward Gustavo Ferrari fired a shot in the 89th minute that was blocked by a defender and the game ended shortly after.
Ferrari had five shots and one that required a goalkeeper save for the game. He leads the Gators with four goals this season. Gonzalez Ponce has three.
A rule change in the offseason has removed overtime periods during the regular season across all of NCAA soccer.
SF State midfielder Denis Vezina (11) dribbles into the box during a 0-0 draw at Cox Stadium versus Chico State on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. (Jack Davies / Golden Gate Xpress) (Jack Davies)
Prior to this season, if the game was tied after 90 minutes, there would be two 10-minute “golden goal” periods in which the team who scored would win. If neither of the teams could score in the extra 20 minutes, the game would result in a tie.
“Our strength is our depth,” Osório said. “So we definitely wouldn’t mind playing in overtime. I do like that they’re changing the rules to make it a little bit more in sync with what soccer is for other countries around the world.”
Osório added that without overtime periods, games will end in lower scores, which isn’t what the fans enjoy.
With three ties in the last four games, the Gators will look to bounce back into the win column at Stanislaus State (4-2-3) on Friday.
“It’s frustrating because we know what we can do,” said defender Justin Wolfe. “We’re creating what we need, we’re playing our game. But it comes down to finishing opportunities. We’ve got to win the next few games and keep our confidence flying so we can finish the season strong and make the playoffs.”
Jack Davies (he/him) is a journalism major in his final year of school. He is minoring in international business. He loves to watch sports and write about them, but also has an interest in potentially traveling the world as a salesman. He grew up in Napa Valley, California, and moved to the East Coast when he was 11 years old. He started his college career at Santa Barbara City College, where he wrote for The Channels publication as a sports writer. In his free time, he likes to play sports, explore the Bay Area, hang out with friends, listen to music, play video games and watch TV. After graduating, he wants to write for a sports publication and travel the world.
