ROHNERT PARK, CALIF. - On Saturday, September 3 the Sonoma State men's soccer team took on GNAC member Saint Martin's and would find their groove offensively as they would net three goals en route to their first victory of the season. The Seawolves would win in convincing fashion as they out shot the Saints 19-4 and would record all three goals in the first half. 

Several SSU newcomers and freshmen would play heavy minutes and make positive impacts on the game as three Seawolf midfielders would score their first goals of their collegiate career. Freshman winger Patrick Neill would get the scoring started in the 12th minute and convert on a header inside the box off of a whipped cross from fellow freshman Michael Gray from the right side. Neill would sprint to the Seawolves corner and meet the rest of his team as he celebrated his first career goal. 

After peppering the net for the next half hour the Seawolves would strike in near back-to-back fashion with goals in the 43rd and 44th minute to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the half. Midfielder Jose Rios Lara would combine with other Seawolf teammates outside the top of the box and then clip a ball into the six where Nathan Arnott would take a marvelous touch off his chest and hammer home the right footed volley to give SSU their second goal of the afternoon. The three-year player has battled through injury for most of his career but notched his first goal as a Seawolf on Saturday and continues to be an impactful part of the teams midfield this season. 

Just a minute later one of the most impactful players of the half for SSU, Jose Rios Lara would earn himself his first career goal with some great buildup play from the left side. Senior midfielder Ulysses Vega would hold up possession for the Seawolves off a forward pass and then sophomore Lucas English would play Evan Sadler in on the left wing after making a terrific third man run around Vega. Sadler would cut inside on his defender and find Rios Lara at the top of the box. His low left footed shot would deflect off the keeper but hit the right post and in to give Sonoma State 3-0 lead in the blink of an eye. 

The Seawolves defense would blank the Saints in the second half as they not only didn't allow a goal but not even a single shot on target. SSU would out shoot Saint Martin's 10-0 in the second 45 but settle with the 3-0 victory and improve their record to 1-1-2. 

"Two freshman (Michael Gray and Patrick Neill) combined on the first goal and then Jose Rios Lara who is also a freshman had an assist and a goal. The future is bright and we were really happy with the production we got from our young players today" said head coach Marcus Ziemer. 

"We made some subs at the 30 minute mark and they made a big impact, creating two goals in the final four minutes of the half. Our defense was very solid once again. Despite just one win, that was our third shutout of the season so we're very pleased with that aspect."

Jose Rios Lara would finish the match with a goal and an assist in just his second appearance of the season. Lucas English would also get credit for an assist with his involvement in Rios Lara's goal down the left side. Another shutout for the Seawolves back line means another 90 minutes for defenders Matt Walleigh, Federico Barbieri and Jason Hernandez. Senior goalkeeper Nick Battung would also make his first appearance of the season and record nearly 13 minutes of scoreless action to conclude the game. 

Sonoma State will look to continue their momentum as they take on PacWest member Fresno Pacific on the road next Saturday at 7:00 PM. Live stat and stream links can be found at sonomaseawolves.com. Be sure to follow your Seawolves on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get all the latest SSU athletics updates and information. Sonoma State athletics also has launched a new fan app in partnership with From Now On. Download the free app today in both the Apple and Google Play stores by searching Sonoma State Seawolves in the app store. @SonomaSeawolves | #NomaNation