BOX SCORE

ROHNERT PARK, Calif- Justin Ferreira got Sonoma State on the board with a goal just 11 minutes into the match and Taylor Varnadore added a pair of goals late in the second half to help Sonoma State earn a 3-0 victory over Humboldt State on Sunday afternoon at the Seawolf Soccer Field. The Seawolves improve to 2-0-0 in the CCAA and 3-1-0 overall. The Lumberjacks remain winless this season at 0-3-0 and 0-2-0 in conference play.

"I was really happy with the game today," head coach Marcus Ziemer said. "After the emotional win on Friday (at Chico State), I was worried that we would be a little flat, but the guys were ready to play. I thought that we did a good job of controlling the play today."

It didn't take very long for the Seawolves to show that they were ready. Two early corner kicks by SSU found Varnadore in the goal box both times, but Varnadore's headers went high or was saved by a HSU defender. Just a couple of minutes later, it was Varnadore who served a ball to Ferreira on the left side before Ferreira finished from 15 yards out.

"Justin Ferrira has been really sharp in training," Ziemer explained. "He played well in Chico and scored a nice goal today."

Sonoma State continued the offensive pressure for the remainder of the half, eventually outshooting Humboldt State, 10-1, in the opening 45 minutes. The Lumberjacks' lone shot by Zach Hammond was saved by SSU keeper Andrew Ball at the 34 minute mark.

The momentum remained in Sonoma State's possession during the second half, as the Seawolves fired 13 more shots as opposed to three by the 'Jacks. Two of the 13 second half shots for SSU came off the head of Varnadore and into the back of the net. He tallied his first goal of the season at 70:41 when Trevor Hurst lofted a pass into the box, finding Ferreira at the mouth of the goal. Ferreira's header attempt was off the mark and went left where Varnadore hopped up and sent it home.

Only seven minutes, six seconds later, Varnadore found the net again. Brian Angel served a nice corner kick from the right side and Varnadore again went up, beat HSU keeper Kyle Verle to the ball and headed it into the net for his second score of the afternoon. Varnadore led all players in shots, attempting 10 of SSU's 23 in the match.

"It was good to get Varnadore on the board," said Ziemer. "He has been working hard and playing well. He was finally rewarded with two goals and an assist."

It was the defense who also played a big role in Sunday's win, allowing just four Humboldt State shots -- Ball made three stops between the posts to secure his third shutout of the season.

"Our defense was outstanding again. This was our third shutout and, except for the first half against NDNU, we haven't given up a goal," Ziemer said. "Defensive midfielder Cory Taufer is getting better with each game. He finished the 2009 season with two broken feet and hasn't played for 20 months. It is great to have him back."

Sonoma State will host Cal State East Bay on Friday. Kickoff from the Seawolf Soccer Field is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

"We are taking one game at a time so now we have four days to prepare for Cal State East Bay on Friday," concluded Ziemer.