San Francisco State University’s women’s soccer club played their first home game of the season against the Sonoma State University Seawolves at Cox Stadium yesterday afternoon in an opening day rematch.
The two teams previously met in Rohnert Park at Seawolves Soccer Field where the Gators lost 2-1 in their first game of the 2026 season on Feb. 1.
The Gators applied pressure early against Sonoma, with lots of fights for possession of the ball. Throughout the first 20 minutes of the first half, SFSU had control of the game with good defense that resulted in multiple stolen possessions.
Senior left winger Amanda Swoboda spoke about the aggressive gameplan heading into their match against the Seawolves.
“It was just to be intense, put on the pressure, make sure that we’re always pressing whoever had the ball.” Swoboda said.
Shot attempts from either team were scarce until the 25th minute where a missed ball by SFSU’s defensive line almost resulted in the first goal of the game. Goalkeeper Eden Cohen made a clutch save to keep the game scoreless.
A pair of free kicks in the 26th and 29th minutes from both clubs did not result in any goals. In the 32nd minute, senior forward Yuridia Corona scored off a deep cross, giving the Gators the 1-0 lead.
The Seawolves stormed right back, and as the first half was winding downscored off of a block in the goal tying the game at 1 all in the 44th minute.
The second half kicked off with the Gators continuing their high pressure play style in hopes to tie the game. In the 60th minute, the Gators had an opportunity to score a game-tying goal with a player in the box, but were unsuccessful after three blocked attempts on goal. SFSU continued applying pressure with a corner kick and another game-tying shot attempt, but to no avail.
The Gators’ chances to come back into the game dwindled as the referee awarded a penalty for Sonoma State after a kick in the back. The call was highly contested by SFSU players and coaches. Head coach Hugo Lopez was among the Gators that protested the crucial penalty call.
“I mean, at the end it’s the ref’s decision, we can’t argue with him because he’s not going to change it,” Lopez said “But I believe that wasn’t a penalty.”
The Seawolves took advantage and scored the penalty to take full control of the game with a two-goal lead.
The Gators kept on fighting, continuing with quick passes to try and create opportunities to get back into the game. The first half intensity was not as prevalent in the second half as they could not keep the same amount of possession on Sonoma State’s half of the field.
In the last 10 minutes, SFSU had their last few attempts to inch closer, but a blocked free kick and a shot off the crossbar was all that they could manage. The final whistle blew and the Gators lost their home opener 3-1.
Assistant coach Zach Martinez reflected on their performance and how he was proud of the club.
“I think they did all right. They didn’t win, but they did okay,” Martinez said. “I saw them trying 100 out there, so I’m proud of them.”
The club will be on the road for their next game on March 1 against Saint Mary’s College.
