San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

Tough tie for Aztecs

It was not the result the San Diego State men’s soccer team wanted, but they will take it.

Going into the game, the Aztecs were riding a four-game winning streak. After Saturday’s game, that winning streak changed to an undefeated streak.

SDSU took the University of Central Arkansas (1-4-1) into overtime, yet remained scoreless to settle for a tie and remain unbeaten in the last five games and run its record to 5-1-2.

During the five-game unbeaten streak, the Aztecs have allowed only two goals, with one being their own goal. Throughout the course of the season, SDSU has allowed only six goals in eight games.

But, it was not the defense that was the cause of concern during SDSU’s last game before conference play begins; it was the offense. Saturday’s game marked the first time all season that the Aztecs were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

“There are just certain days where (the offense) are not sharp enough,” SDSU head coach Lev Kirshner said. “The thought processes and the ideas were not bad, but the execution was off.”

The Aztecs outshot the Bears by a total of 12-7, including overtime. Redshirt sophomore midfielder John Pegg led all players with two shots on goal, with junior midfielder Jose Altamirano also contributing a shot on goal. SDSU held the advantage in corner kicks, 7-2.

While the offense struggled during the match, the defense continued to play well. Led by senior co-captain Daniel Steres and senior goalkeeper Blake Hylen, SDSU kept its opponent scoreless for the third time in the last five games.

The Aztecs will hope to learn from this well-fought game as they head into conference play this weekend.

“I don’t think this game is going to hurt us,” Steres said. “This team is better than they look and better than their record shows. We just have to take (the result) and learn going into Pac-12 play because that’s where it really matters.”

SDSU will begin Pacific-12 play at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at the Sports Deck against Stanford University, who boasts a record of 2-4-1.

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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Tough tie for Aztecs