PORTLAND, Ore. – Three early goals by San Francisco State proved to be too much for the Saints to overcome, as they fell 5-2 in their 2017 season opener.
 
The Gators (1-0) struck quickly with goals in 11th and 16th minute, along with a penalty kick goal to take an early 3-0 advantage over the Saints (0-1).
 
Saint Martin's responded just eight minutes later when McKray Kohn found the back of the net for his first goal of the young season. The score remained 2-1 into halftime.
 
San Francisco State once again scored quickly, only 2:04 minutes into the second half to extend the lead to 4-1.
 
Freshman Edgar Iniguez brought SMU to within two goals after scoring just 49 seconds after the Gators goal, drawing the score to 4-2.
 
The Gators scored one final goal in the 86th minute to secure the 5-2 victory over the Saints.

"Obviously the way the game started, you don't want to dig yourself a hole by giving up goals," said head coach Rob Walker. "What I was the most pleased with was how Brandon Scott coached the men up at half time and they came out and played a great second half. Definitely a lot of opportunities to take the game in hand and win it. We have to be careful not give up a goal at the end as we did as that exaggerates the score line. All in all though, spirits are high and we are energized for Saturday against Humboldt State."
 
The Saints out shot the Gators 15-to-13; however, the Gators recorded three saves to the Saints' two.
 
Iniguez led the Saints with five shots while senior Kyle Witzel managed four shots and Kohn tallied two. Griffin Small made the start at keeper, going all 90 minutes, finishing with two saves.
 
SMU returns to Portland, Oregon for a match-up with Humboldt State on September 2 at 4:00 p.m. Live stats and video will be available for the match.