Oct. 2, 2001
Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
This Week
The San Diego State men's soccer team continues a six-match homestand and looks to continue a two-match win streak this week with a match against Christian Heritage, Thursday at 4 p.m., followed by a match with 23rd-ranked UCLA on Sunday at 3 p.m. . Sunday's match is a doubleheader with the SDSU women's team, who play Southern California at 1 p.m. The SDSU men's team come off back-to-back wins for the first time this season, a 3-2 decision over UC Riverside on Friday and a 2-1 overtime thriller over Brown on Sunday.
Recapping UC Riverside
Friday's match with UCR had the makings of a shutout, with the Aztecs owning a 3-0 lead until the Highlanders were able to find the net at the 71:43 mark. UCR would make things interesting with another score at 88:38.
Recapping Brown
Sunday's match treated fans to a nailbitter with junior forward Enrique Tovar scoring a game- winner, off a free kick with five seconds remaining in overtime. Freshman Anthony Zoric took the free kick, leading Tovar to the net at the 104:55 mark. The Aztecs' first goal came courtesy of sophomore Kevin Sapnali.
Tovar Wins Player Of The Week
Junior forward Enrique Tovar was named Mountain Pacific Sports Federation player of the week after his efforts last week. Tovar is the first Aztec to receive the honor this season. The occasion also marks the first time Tovar has earned the weekly award. Thus far this season he is tied for the team lead in scoring with nine points (four goals, one assist). Earlier this season, Tovar scored the fastest goal in program history, finding the net just 15 seconds into the match versus UC Santa Barbara on Sept. 6.
Setting The Tone
Also setting the tone of the Aztec offense this season has been a local product, sophomore midfielder Kevin Sapanli. Sapanli scored his fourth goal of the season in Friday's UC Riverside match, coupled with his one assist he shared the team lead in scoring with nine points.
The New Class
SDSU has gotten plenty of help from its newcomers thus far this season. The Aztecs' first score of the year came courtesy of the frosh duo of Eric Wohl and Paul Szefler. Wohl recorded his first collegiate goal (off a pass from Szefler) versus Notre Dame de Namur on Sept. 2. Wohl chipped in his second goal of the season Friday versus UC Riverside and Szefler his first. The newcomers have also been prominent in the starting lineup, with Szefler, defender Aaron Frimkess, forward Mauricio Soler and forward/defender Patrick Strait receiving the starting nod at least once thus far. Frimkess picked up his first assist against Christian Heritage.
Barnes Watch
Returning for his junior season is All-America candidate goalkeeper Brian Barnes. The 2000 first-team all-MPSF and all-academic team pick, who holds the single-season school record for saves (90) and is third in career saves (177), serves as team captain in 2001. He is the only player listed in the school's top three in career saves with only two seasons of experience.
Coaching Staff
San Diego State is led by second-year head coach Lev Kirshner. Kirshner is assisted by Matt Hall, in his second season, and Dave Siracusa, in his first year. Hall, who serves as goalkeeping coach, defended the Aztecs nets for three seasons. Former Aztec Rene Miramontes serves as volunteer coach and advises the team on technical aspects of the game. Miramontes played for the scarlet and black in 1976-77 and '79-80.
Home Field Advantage
To say SDSU has a home field advantage in 2001 would be an understatment. The team plays 12 matches at the Sports Deck this season, including three straight to start the year. Five of the team's eight matches in September and six of nine in October come on its home turf.
Strength Of Schedule
Not only is the Aztecs' schedule full of home dates it also brings some of the nation's most competitive teams to San Diego. The non-conference slate sees them host 2000 NCAA tournament participants UCLA, Brown, CSU Fullerton and San Diego. Brown advanced to the round of eight in last year's national championship. USD is currently ranked 11th in the NSCAA/adidas poll and eighth by the College Soccer News. UCLA is ranked 23rd in both the Soccer Times and College Soccer News polls.
Scouting Christian Heritage
The Aztecs and Hawks meet for the second time this season, with SDSU taking the first meeting 3-0 in El Cajon. The Aztecs own a 6-0 series record. Christian Heritage is 3-6 on the season.
Scouting UCLA
The 23rd-ranked Bruins (3-3-2) own a 23-3-6 series record with Aztecs and have won eight straight contests. The two team's last met last season and in L.A., with the Bruins taking the match, 5-0. UCLA has won three straight in San Diego and faces USD on Friday before heading to the Mesa for Sunday's contest.
Things To Come
SDSU cconcludes its homestand and gets its conference slate underway with matches against Denver (Oct. 12) and Air Force (Oct. 14).