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

SDSU survives Sea Lions, prepares for No. 2 UCLA

SDSU survives Sea Lions, prepares for No. 2 UCLA

With crosstown bragging rights at stake on Tuesday night, San Diego State’s men’s soccer team ended a two-game losing streak and defeated Point Loma Nazarene University 1-0.

SDSU improved to 6-3 this year and 13-1-1 all time against Point Loma.

The Aztecs started slow, but managed to get up and running in the 14th minute thanks to freshman forward David Olsen.

“I’m not very happy with how we performed, but I’m very happy with the result,” head coach Lev Kirshner said.

The team’s leading scorer netted his sixth goal of the year when junior defender Casey Phillips’ corner kick deflected off a Sea Lion defender, and right to Olsen who calmly scored from 12 yards out.

Point Loma came out looking for an upset and, with the help of a rowdy traveling supporters section, they almost got one. The Sea Lions responded to Olsen’s goal by mustering two shots of their own, one of them high and the other saved by redshirt freshman goalkeeper Adam Allmaras.

But it was SDSU’s defending that ultimately kept Point Loma scoreless. At the other end, sophomore midfielder Pablo Vasquez’s low swerving free kick in the second half was saved by Sea Lions’ junior keeper Avrin Yakou.

“I thought that our back line was very solid tonight, Travis (Nicklaw) having to come into the middle of the park for Julio (Alarcon) on an injury, I thought he did a very good job,” Kirshner said.

A look ahead to Saturday vs. UCLA

The Aztecs now move on to Saturday’s Pac-12 conference opener against No. 2-ranked University of California, Los Angeles.

UCLA presents a tougher task than any of SDSU’s previous opponents. This is a team that is regularly in the conversation for a National Title, and although the Bruins’ record may not be sparkly clean, they’re not to be under-estimated.

The Bruins are coming off a victory 3-0 win against California State University, Northridge on Sunday. However, last Friday the Bruins were upset 1-0 by University of San Diego. UCLA has beaten two top-15 teams this season, both times on the road, where the Bruins have been at their best.

David Olsen said that team unity was what helped them beat Point Loma despite SDSU not playing their best.

If the Aztecs are going to win, they’ll have to play a solid complete game. The defense, midfield and strikers will all have to be on the same page playing at a high level.

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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
SDSU survives Sea Lions, prepares for No. 2 UCLA