The SF State women's soccer team saw their five-game winning streak come to an abrupt end in what was a bittersweet weekend against Cal State Monterey Bay. With only two league games left, the Gators can still become CCAA North champions with a flawless final weekend.

On Friday Oct. 23, the Gators traveled to CSUMB, where they inflicted a golden goal defeat on the Otters courtesy of Myriah Johnson, who connected on a Nicole Vanni cross in the final minutes of overtime. The tables were turned on Sunday, Oct. 25 though, as the Gators gave up a one-goal lead in the second half before falling in the first period of overtime to a goal from a free kick.

"We made some very basic errors that cost us dearly," coach Jack Hyde said. "(The coaching staff) expects more from the starters."

After such an impressive winning streak, the team was understandably frustrated and shocked by Sunday's overtime upset.

"I don't even know what to say," said junior captain Carly Bliss.

The Gators took an early lead when junior Sara Ordaz put in an unassisted shot from 20 yards out in the 18th minute. However, the Otters' Jessica Pardo would soon unravel the Gators when she equalized with less than 10 minutes of regulation time, blasting a one-touch shot from 25 yards out. In overtime, Pardo, unassisted for the second time, put in a free kick past SF State freshman keeper Annicia Jones.

Johnson, who scored the game-winning goal on Friday, was obviously frustrated. "I know I personally didn't play well enough, and I feel like that can have a big impact on the other players," she said.

Despite the up and down results, the Gators remain in CCAA North Championship contention, with two vital games coming this weekend. They are currently two points behind the leaders, Cal State Chico, who will be visiting SF State on Friday Oct. 30 in a do-or-die match for the Gators. If the Gators manage to win both Friday and Saturday's matches, the six points will guarantee them the CCAA North title for the second year in a row.

The first place teams from the CCAA North and South, along with the next two teams with the highest points from either division, will compete in the CCAA Championship tournament. Because the South division has had far fewer draws, the points are such that the Gators must clinch their division if they have any hopes of postseason glory.

On a positive note, it was a good weekend for the freshmen, with Nicole Vanni recording yet another goal and assist to bring her totals to three and four, respectively. Before Sunday, Vanni had two goals and three assists in three games. Katie Voss, who leads the team with six goals, recorded her first assist of the season on Friday.

The Gators are now 8-7-3 overall and 6-6-2 in conference play.