ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Despite fighting through 110 minutes of play, Sonoma State was unable to find a golden goal in double overtime, splitting the points in their CCAA opener, 1-1.
"That was a tough game. Humboldt works hard and put us under a lot of pressure, but when we settled down and kept the ball we generated enough chances to win the game," said head coach
Marcus Ziemer after the match.
"I was happy with how we played, but we need to have a killer instinct and put away our chances. We could have made it 2-0 and then it's a different game."
The Seawolves opened the scoring in the first half when
Kyle Owings centered a ball from outside the left side of the box, deflecting off a Humboldt State defender.
Sebastian Santos collected the ball in the top right third of the box before slotting his shot top corner, sending his team to the half up 1-0.
"
Kyle Owings played the whole 110 minutes, had a great game while
Sebastian Santos was also very dangerous today and got his goal. His workrate is incredible," added Ziemer. "Our backline—
Evan Roehrig, Devin Andersen, Anthony Gonzales and Chava Gomez-Avila—was under a lot of pressure from Humboldt's long balls, but did a great job defending. Sid Cunningham has been outstanding this season. He is a solid defender, but has really gained confidence in ball possession."
Despite the excellent effort from the Seawolves back line, Humboldt was able to find the equalizer in the 71st minute. From 25 yards out, the Jacks send in a ball on a set piece where Gus Baxter was waiting inside the six. With a jump, Baxter was able to create enough room to get a head on the ball, flicking it behind him, into the net.
With the game tied at the end of regulation, the two squads headed to overtime, but neither team proved able to prevail the victor and split the points in their first conference match of the season.
The Seawolves' coach realizes his team has a challenge with a fresh San Francisco State squad to face, but maintains that Sonoma State will be ready after regrouping and dipping into their depth.
Friday's match kicks off at 4:00 p.m. from Seawolf Soccer Field.
