Printer-friendly version
Three different Aztecs score to post second straight win
Source: goaztecs.com press release
Photo via goaztecs.com
September 16, 2016 (San Diego) - San Diego State scored two goals in a matter of four minutes to help defeat Weber State, 3-0, Thursday night at SDSU Sports Deck. With the Aztecs’ second consecutive victory, they improve to 2-4 on the season, while the Wildcats fall to 2-3-1.
“It was a great team performance, the second half especially, with how we were able to move the ball, change the point of attack and create numbers advantages in a bunch of different spots on the field,” head coach Mike Friesen said. “I thought there were a lot of good performances individually, but also as a team. The third goal was one of the better goals we have scored in while and now we’re just trying to build on it for Sunday vs. Texas Tech.”
The teams played to a scoreless draw in the first 45 minutes despite the Aztecs controlling the pace of play. San Diego State spent most of the half in attack mode and had a number of offensive sequences that ended with shots that either sailed high or went wide.
The Aztecs’ first shot on goal came off a free kick from Stacie Moran, who punched a low-skidding shot toward the left post that Weber State goalkeeper Sydnie Brough stopped. The attempt jumpstarted the SDSU offense as it started to jell from that point forward. San Diego State finished the frame with nine shots, including three on goal, while holding the Wildcats to three non-threatening shots on target.
The San Diego State pressure continued as the game resumed after halftime and the Aztecs were rewarded in the 52nd minute. Victoria Barba fed Aliyah Utush from the midfield and the junior centered a pass that was deflected in the box. Angela Mitchell, however, took the carom and scored what would be the game-winner. The goal was Mitchell’s first, while the assist was Utush’s first as well.
Four minutes later, Barba was at it again, this time taking a free kick near the right corner and chipped it to the far post. Senior classmate Jen Rupey was there waiting and headed the ball past Brough. For Rupey, the goal was her first of the season and the assist was Barba’s first.
The Aztecs added a third goal when Utush attacked from the left and dropped a pass to Hedda Regefalk, who took a six-yard shot from a hard angle. Brough got her hands on it, but could not corral it and Rachel Speros knocked in her first goal of her college career in the 81st minute.
In all, San Diego State attempted 16 shots, including seven on net, and took six corner kicks. The Wildcats, meanwhile, were limited to five shots, all of which were on net, and did not have a corner.
SDSU was balanced in its offensive attack as nine different Aztecs took at least one shot with six attempting multiple. Milan Moses had three shots to lead all players and five of her teammates (Dani DeRosa, Xochi Hunter, Mitchell, Stacie Moran, Rupey) took two. DeRosa had a team-high two shots on target.
Defensively, San Diego State posted its second straight shutout and was highlighted by another strong effort from redshirt freshman Gabby English. The Winter Park, Florida native made five saves and has not allowed a goal in the last 214:21.
The Aztecs return to action on Sunday night when they play host to No. 24/23 Texas Tech atop SDSU Sports Deck. Admission is free for the 6 p.m. PT game.
Recent comments