Gators women’s soccer team snapped their three game losing streak with a 1-0 shutout victory over California State University, San Marcos.
The team came into this game searching for their first win since Sept. 18 after a five game losing streak and improved their record to 6-4-3 on the season and 3-3-2 in conference play. Head Coach Tracy Hamm was pleased with how the players bounced back after a few tough losses.
“We executed exactly like we wanted to today,” Hamm said. “We generated a lot of chances out there. I wish we could have capitalize on them a little more but I was happy with what we created.”
It was a physical first half with bodies flying everywhere and both teams playing each other virtually even throughout the half. SF State attempted seven shots to Cal State San Marcos’ ten. The game went into the half scoreless, and according to the players, Coach Hamm rallied everyone during the intermission.
“Coach just reminded us to play our game,” senior forward Autumn Fox said. “She reassured us that we know we were the better team, speed and technical wise.”
“I told them finish what they started,” Hamm said.
The Gators looked like a different team coming out the second half, outshooting the Cougars eight to four. At the 76th minute, SF State’s senior defender Jada Williams scored her second goal of the season after she connected on a cross from senior forward Autumn Fox, a goal that proved to be the deciding factor. Fox now has a team-high six assists on the season.
“I was sprinting as fast a I could to get there,” Williams said. “I just put my foot out and was hoping for the best. Sometimes that’s all you need.”
SF State now has 11 points on the season which places them in 7th place in California Collegiate Athletic Association Standings. Only the top six teams at the end of the regular season receive a bid to the CCAA Soccer Championships in November. The Gators are one point back of Cal State Dominguez Hills, who are in sixth place.
“Moving forward we need to take it game by game,” Hamm said. “We put our backs against the wall a little bit but it’s still a long stretch ahead.”
SF State’s next game will be on the road against Humboldt State on Oct. 14.
“It’s a good feeling to get a win before we get on the road,” Williams said. “ We needed this win. We are confident now we just need to have a good week and keep winning.”
