ARCATA, Calif. – The Humboldt State women's soccer team dropped its home opener 1-0 against San Francisco State Sunday. The Gators scored in the second minute and took a lead they never relinquished.

"We started poorly again today and struggled to get control of the game until half," said Head Coach Paul Karver. "At the half, we moved some players around and made a few adjustments that allowed us to come out stronger. We had our chances to score but didn't finish them, and in this conference that will send you home pretty quickly."

HSU came out flat to begin the match and a lapse of defense was all SF State needed to score the game's only goal. Junior defender Niko Baila dribbled past the backline into the right corner and crossed the ball into the crowded box. Senior defender Madison Messier out jumped a pair of HSU players and headed the ball over the keeper's outstretched fingertips.

The Lumberjacks tried to bounce back in the second half, but they struggled to find their rhythm. The home team shuffled some players around and seemed to find more success, however, its offense remained stagnant and only recorded eight shots the entire match. The unfavorable result moves the Jacks to 2-3-1 on the season and 0-2 in conference play.

The North Coast squad heads down to Southern California as they take on the Golden Eagles of Cal State Los Angeles Friday, Sept. 21. The match kicks off at 7 p.m.