SDSU MEN'S SOCCER PLAYS UIC TO 1-1 DRAW IN SEASON OPENER

Aztecs to close off weekend tournament vs. Bradley on Sunday

Source: goaztecs.com press release

August 26, 2016 (Spokane, Wa.) - The San Diego State men’s soccer team opened the 2016 regular season with a 1-1 draw against UIC at the Gonzaga Soccer Tournament Friday afternoon at Luger Field.

The Aztecs outshot the Flames 13-9 for the match, including a 6-4 margin on net, but found themselves trailing early in the first period after UIC’s Max Todd scored from the right side on a free kick 30 yards away in the 13^th minute.

SDSU had two opportunities later in the half, but was unable to convert. In the 29^th minute, junior Jeroen Meefout fought through some traffic close to the cage, but his attempt from the left sidewas cut off at the last second by Flames goalkeeper Andrew Putna, who also made a save on redshirt freshman Pablo Pelaez’s blast from the far left wing four minutes later.

After intermission, SDSU dented the scoreboard in the 53^rd minute when true freshman A.J. Vergara collected a quick pass from Pelaez on the left side and dribbled to within six yards of the cage before depositing the ball into the opposite side of the net for the equalizer.

The Aztecs had two other scoring chances in the period, but senior Casey Macias’ header in the 76^th minute ricocheted into the arms of Putna, while another Meefout attempt sailed wide in the 83^rd minute.

Both teams directed just one shot toward the net in the second overtime session, including Macias, whose final attempt was blocked just before time expired.

Pelaez and Macias tied for match-high honors with four shots apiece, while Meefout and senior co-captain Matt Callahan finished with two attempts of their own.

SDSU goalkeeper Adam Allmaras played all 110 minutes and made three saves, including a stop on the Flame’s Christian Sanchez in the 82^nd minute.

San Diego State wraps up tournament play on Sunday, Aug. 28, when it faces Bradley, beginning at noon PT. Live stats and a live video stream will be available on GoAztecs.com. SDSU returns to Montezuma Road next week, squaring off against preseason No. 2 Akron in its home opener on Friday, Sept. 2, starting at 7 p.m. PT.

MAN OF THE MATCH: AJ Vergara received Man of the Match honors in his very first collegiate appearance, scoring the Aztecs’ lone goal of the afternoon while logging 82 minutes of playing time. Vergara was just cleared to play on Thursday and promptly flew to Spokane to join the rest of his teammates, who arrived on Wednesday.