Printer-friendly version
Aztecs post fourth straight shutout; win weekend tournament
Source: goaztecs.com press release
Photo: Jeroen Meefout recorded a brace once again to help the Aztecs down Memphis. Via goaztecs.com
September 11, 2016 (San Diego) - The No. 13/9 San Diego State men’s soccer team posted its fourth shutout in a row on Sunday with a 2-0 conquest of Memphis in the Courtyard Marriott San Diego Central Tournament at SDSU Sports Deck. With the victory, the Aztecs claimed the team championship at their weekend event, improving to 4-0-1 on the season, while the Tigers slip to 3-3 overall.
Forward Jeroen Meefout took center stage once again for SDSU after recording his second straight brace on a penalty kick in the 32nd minute to go with another strike in the 89th minute to secure the win. In addition, goalkeeper Adam Allmaras turned in his fourth consecutive clean sheet and 14th of his career to help an Aztec defense that has not surrendered a goal in its last 447 minutes and 41 seconds of playing time. Including two preseason friendlies, SDSU has yet to allow to a score during the run of play this year.
“Our team defense continues to impress and it carried us through to the tournament championship this weekend,” said Aztec head coach Lev Kirshner.
However, the Scarlet and Black had to endure two Memphis threats in the first half, including a shot by Hector Cantele at the 12-minute mark that rolled harmlessly into the waiting arms of Allmaras. Just over nine minutes later following a corner kick, the Tigers’ Josh Burnett hit the crossbar from close range, but the ensuing rebound was once again corralled by the Aztec netminder.
In the 32nd minute, Memphis’ Burke Fahling was given a yellow card, setting up Meefout’s penalty kick that put San Diego State on the scoreboard.
“It was great to see Jeroen get on the tally sheet this weekend,” said Aztec head coach Lev Kirshner. “He scored some beautiful goals that took a lot of pressure off our backline.”
With SDSU maintaining a late 1-0 lead, Meefout put the finishing touches on the match when he took a pass from Debray Holliman and raced upfield, weaving through the Memphis defense before launching a shot from the near right wing 15 yards out. Tiger goalkeeper Jake Leeker initially got his hands on the ball, but the blast had enough momentum to find the back of the net.
Memphis was a man down for the final 14 minutes and change after Alec Velez was given a red card near midfield.
In addition to Meefout, forward Travis Nicklaw and midfielder Pablo Pelaez finished with two shots each for the Aztecs, while forward Michael Sauers finished with one attempt of his own.
Collectively, the two teams were knotted with seven shots and two corner kicks apiece.
Following Sunday’s nightcap where Cal State Fullerton defeated UT Rio Grande Valley with golden goal in the second overtime, 1-0, the Aztecs had four players chosen to the all-tournament team, featuring Allmaras, Sauers, Matt Callahan and Sergio Enriquez. Fittingly, Meefout was named the most outstanding offensive player.
San Diego State will return to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 17, when it travels to the Central Coast to face Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Match time is set for 7 p.m. PT.
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Adam Allmaras, Michael Sauers, Matt Callahan, Sergio Enriquez – San Diego State
Josh Burnett, David Zalzman – Memphis
Isidro Martinez, Jaakko Hietkikko – UTRGV
Mitchell Bell, Paul-Andre Guerin, Alex Heilmann – Cal State Fullerton
Most Outstanding Offensive Player: Jeroen Meefout – San Diego State
Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Corentin Ohlmann – Cal State Fullerton
View stats here.
Recent comments