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Aztecs sweep Golden Bears for first time since 2009
Source: goaztecs.com press release
Photo: Travis Nicklaw notched is fourth GW goal of the year on Sunday to lift the Aztecs past Cal. Courtesy goaztecs.com
October 23, 2016 (San Diego) - The No. 17 San Diego State men’s soccer team closed out the home portion of its 2016 regular-season schedule Sunday with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over California to highlight Senior Day festivities at SDSU Sports Deck.
With the win, the Aztecs sweep the season series between the two schools for the first time since 2009, improving to 8-3-4 overall and 3-2-2 in conference play, while the Golden Bears slip to 5-7-2 on the season and 1-5-1 in the Pac-12. The victory also helped the Scarlet and Black equal its win-total from last year with at least three games to go.
“As I told our team during pre-game, all games matter, but some are just flat out meaningful,” said SDSU head coach Lev Kirshner. This one mattered because of its (NCAA) tournament and league implications, but was so meaningful to one of the best senior groups I’ve had in a long time. I’m very happy for the group, but even more so proud for what they stand for in this program.”
Neither team recorded a shot in the first six-and-a half minutes, but that all changed when redshirt senior Travis Nicklaw found the back of the net after receiving a pass from Pablo Pelaez. Positioned outside the box, Nicklaw gathered the ball and pivoted to his left, launching a blast from 23 yards away past a diving Cal goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann to provide the Aztecs the only tally they would need on this day.
It wasn’t easy, however, as the Aztecs survived a Cal threat in the 16th minute when goalkeeper Adam Allmaras deflected a rebound by the Bears’ Spencer Held after Christian Thierjung’s initial shot was blocked by the SDSU defense. The Bears also had an opportunity with under 10 seconds to go in the half, but Javier Macias’ attempt was wide right.
After intermission, Nicklaw had two chances to extend the Aztecs’ advantage, but Klinsmann made a save on the Aztec forward’s free kick in the 60th minute, while another attempt hit the left post shortly thereafter. Later in the 66th minute, Pelaez also launched a shot moments following a corner kick, but the ball sailed wide.
The Aztec defense clamped down, however, limiting Cal to just one shot on goal in the second half, an attempt by Nick Lima in the 47th minute. The Golden Bears maintained a slim 15-14 edge in shots and a 9-6 margin on corner kicks, but SDSU held the upper hand in shots on goal, 5-3.
Individually, Nicklaw led all players with five shots on the afternoon, while Pelaez finished with three attempts of his own, followed by Jeroen Meefout and Dallin Cutler, who had two apiece.
Allmaras made three saves on the day to complete his conference-leading ninth clean sheet of the season and 19th of his career, while his counterpart Klinsmann made four stops.
San Diego State will enjoy an open date next week before returning to action on Thursday, Nov. 3, for a road clash at Oregon State. Match time is set for 3 p.m. PT.
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