SDSU'S MATT CALLAHAN NAMED TO COLLEGE SOCCER NEWS TEAM OF THE WEEK

Aztec defender recognized for two exceptional performances vs. OSU, UW

Source: goaztecs.com press release

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

October 3, 2016 (San Diego) - San Diego State defender Matt Callahan (Newton, Mass.) was named to the College Soccer News Team of the Week Monday after helping the Aztecs to an undefeated start in the opening weekend of Pac-12 conference play.

With his selection, the Aztec senior becomes the third SDSU player to land on a national team of the week this season following Travis Nicklaw (TopDrawerSoccer – Sept. 6) and Jeroen Meefout (CSN – Sept. 13). He was also the lone Pac-12 representative on the prestigious 11-player squad this week.

Callahan turned in a tremendous all-round performance in the Aztecs’ 1-1 draw with Oregon State last Thursday, notching his first goal of the season on a header from five yards out in the 67th minute. The SDSU co-captain was also an integral part of a stellar defensive effort that held No. 16 Washington scoreless in the team’s 1-0 overtime victory on Sunday after the Huskies entered the match with a conference-leading 19 goals.

With Callahan’s huge presence along the backline, the Aztecs have recorded seven shutouts this year and have yielded just four goals overall, matching the 1982 squad for the fewest scores allowed in the first 10 games of the season in program history.  Entering the week, SDSU is ranked second in the nation with a 0.37 goals against average and a 0.70 shutout percentage.

Callahan and the nationally-ranked Aztecs (6-1-3, 1-0-1) look to maintain their perch atop the Pac-12 standings this week when they play host to UCLA on Saturday, Oct.8, at SDSU Sports Deck. Match time is set for 7 p.m. PT and admission is free.