ARCATA – An early first-half goal left Humboldt State looking for an equalizer, but the relentless Sonoma State would not concede one in a 1-0 Lumberjack defeat Thursday afternoon.

The loss drops Humboldt State to 1-5-2 overall, 0-5-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Sonoma State improves to 4-4-1 overall, 4-2-1 in conference action. HSU heads to Chico State Sunday before returning home to host Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State Los Angeles on Oct. 7 and 9, respectively. 

Tamra James' shot in the first three minutes of the game ricocheted off the far post—just inches to the right could have given the Jacks the lead and produced a different result.

"I thought Tamra had a great opportunity that could have had a huge impact on the game with an early score that unfortunately hit the post," said head coach C.J. Johnson. "On that same token, I've had to challenge my team in knowing their roles and responsibilities and taking pride in that, so more opportunities need to end up on frame."

Taylor Colacion capitalized off a HSU goalkeeping mistake in the 19th minute for the game-winning goal. Ashley Martin sent a corner kick into the box, drawing Jennie Paugh off her line, but Paugh missed the ball, giving Colacion an open net to score in.

"We also need to not give up soft goals," said Johnson. "When we have crosses and corners, we need to challenge them. Unfortunately I think that was the difference in today's game."

The Jacks kept their thirst for a goal, forcing goalkeeper Alexis Sciacqua to make crucial saves to keep her team in the game. Carly Kolpin hit a lofted ball heading over Sciacqua, but Sciacqua jumped to tip the ball over the net for a corner. Talya Crosby's shot off the corner was blocked, giving Chelsea LaRue a chance to put away the rebound for the equalizer, but Sciacqua came out of nowhere to make the save.

"Like many games, I've been very pleased with our play between the two 18-yd boxes," said Johnson. "I felt we were much more productive offensively as far as with our forwards. It was one of our better matches in creating opportunities."

Unfortunately for the Jacks, those opportunities did not result in goals, leaving HSU still winless in CCAA play.