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

Aztecs geared to edge Gauchos

Aztecs geared to edge Gauchos
Sarah Smith, Staff Photographer

San Diego State’s men’s soccer team is gearing up for Friday’s away match at University of California, Santa Barbara.

SDSU is looking to bounce back from its 2-1 overtime loss at Florida International University, a game the Aztecs led 1-0 until the 85th minute, which numerous aspects may have played a part in.

“The team just hit a wall in the second half for whatever reason, be it the red-eye flight, the humidity or the time delay,” head coach Lev Kirshner said on Tuesday.

Here’s a look at some storylines heading into the match:

AZTECS OFF TO HOT START

The Aztecs have won five of their first seven games, arguably their best start to a season since 2011 when they won eight of their first 11 games.

Such a start to the season is very important, considering SDSU’s five conference foes are all ranked in the NCAA top-25 rankings as of Sept. 23.

Freshman forward David Olsen has sprinted out of the gates so far. The Fircrest, Washington-native leads the Aztecs with five goals including two game-winners. Sophomore forward Forrayah Bass is also playing great with three goals to complement four assists.

A LOOK AT UCSB

One shouldn’t be deceived by the Gauchos’ two wins in the first six games. This is a team that won a National Championship in 2006, battled No. 1 University of California, Los Angeles to a 1-0 loss last Saturday. They have given SDSU many depressing trips back to the Mesa.

UCSB has no distinct goal scoring threat on their squad. All eight of the Gauchos’ goals have come from eight different players.

Their back line has been streaky so far, conceding 11 goals in the first six games, albeit against some quality opponents like UCLA and Stanford University, whom the Aztecs will face when Pac-12 conference play starts in October.

WHAT SDSU NEEDS TO DO

SDSU has had trouble against UCSB since 2000, winning once in the last eight meetings. Kirshner said the Gauchos will fiercely pressure their opponents and make teams beat themselves. So how will the Aztecs prevail?

“We’ve got to make good decisions on the ball,” Kirshner said. “We’ve got to be sharp and have good movement on and off the ball.”

Fortunately, SDSU has shown they can cope in pressure situations; just look at the four one-goal wins they’ve put up this season, with two of those wins coming against ranked teams.

But despite scoring 13 goals in the first seven games, Kirshner stresses defending, as his side has also conceded nine goals. He said the team will be focusing on defending in practice all week in preparation.

HEAD-TO-HEAD MATCH UP

These two sides first met in 1973. Since then, the Aztecs lead the all-time series against UCSB, winning 18 times against 12 losses and three ties. Most of the losses have come since 2000, but this SDSU team is different.

Kirshner has repeatedly said that this team has a winning mentality and is very coachable, and also that they’re not even close to their full potential.

The Aztecs are hungry and always improving. With that said, SDSU has a great chance for a big road win.

 

PREDICTION:

SDSU 3

UCSB 1

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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Aztecs geared to edge Gauchos