If games were scored by how many shots a team gets than the SF State men’s soccer team would be 2-0 this week.

But they’re not.

After out-shooting their opponent for the second straight game the Gators (2-2-1) found themselves on the losing end of a 1-0 game this afternoon in the conference opener against UC San Diego (4-0-0).

“I thought we played fairly well…I’ll give (UC San Diego) credit they were very organized in the back. We just couldn’t break them down physically in the back,” said coach Joe Hunter.

Despite out-shooting the Tritons 11 to 8 in the game the Gators were unable to break through when it counted often, because of the taller more physical back line of San Diego’s defense containing SF State’s smaller quicker front line.

“Teams are starting to notice (our stadium doesn’t allow us to play our way) and they’re playing us more direct, they’re being more forceful,” said Hunter.

Much like the game against Seattle Pacific on Tuesday SF State “just kicked the ball around” in the first half, according to freshman Antonio Ugarte, with the Tritons beating the Gators in shots, 3 to 2, in the first 45 minutes of play.

After half the Gators made a few substitutions to get some fresh legs out there and responded by out-shooting the Tritons nine to five in the second half.

However, it proved too late as the Tritons struck in the 63rd minute when Tom Caplan connected on a ball from Tony Fernandez giving UC San Diego the 1-0 lead.

Over the next 25 minutes the Gators had their fair share of chances, seven shots to be exact, but were unable to find the back of the net on any of the attempts.

Junior Spencer Schwandt had two chances around the 80th minute when instead of shooting the ball on a break away he tried to cross it to Dylan Glass unsuccessfully. On the other attempt he couldn’t get enough behind a cross, weakly tapping it right to San Diego’s keeper.

UC San Diego keeper Peter Akman preserved the shutout by stopping five of the final seven shots with most of the shots kicked straight at him.

Coach Hunter told his team after the game to “be ready for a lot of these 1-0 games when playing against conference opponents” this year as most teams will “be looking to grind it out against us”.

Next up for the Gators is a home match against #7 ranked CSU Dominiguez Hills, which could be a statement game if the Gators are able to pull off the upset.

“There one of the best teams in our league, but if we stand our ground on defense, try to keep a shutout, hopefully we can get some goals,” said Josh Kuluris on what they need to do to get the win on Sunday.

SF State host CSU Dominiguez Hills at Cox Staduim on Sunday beginning at 11:30a.m.