[ Golden Gater Online - September 16, 1997 ]
In what looks to be a dismal start for the SF State women's soccer season, head coach Jack Hyde looks to the his team back on track after losing the first five games.
"I'm looking for the day when we're super healthy and raring to go," the 14-year coach said. "Hopefully, it's this Saturday."
The Gators played three games during the week while traveling across town during the week and southern California over the weekend, losing to University of San Francisco, Tuesday, Azusa Pacific University, Friday, and CSU San Bernardino Saturday.
Last Tuesday, the Gators fell to their cross-town rivals, USF, where the powerful Lady Dons out-shot the Gators 30-3. The Gators were shut-out 4-0 in the match-up.
"We're facing quick teams, with better technical skills, and they have scholarships," Hyde said.
In Friday night's match against the undefeated Azusa Pacific (4-0), the game was close but SF State couldn't score. Azusa Pacific's Kendra Payne scored the lone goal of the game as the Cougars out-shot the Gators 23-1.
"We're like an eight-cylinder car that's only running on four cylinders because of the injuries and substitutions we've had to make," Hyde said of the 1-0 loss.
In Saturday's match-up against CSU San Bernardino, the Gators fatigue and enthusiasm dropped due to the late-night game the night before.
"We just ran out fo steam dring the second half of the game," Hyde said.
Junior forward Lanny Leighton kicked in the only score for SF State, during the match which SF State made half the shots on goal than the opponent during the 4-1 loss.
The Coyotes scored four goals, two in each half, against the Gators.
SF State returns home Saturday at Cox Stadium against Weber State at 3 p.m..