Sept. 14, 2002
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego State men's soccer team recorded its first victory of the season today by defeating Westmont, 2-1. The Aztecs scored two early goals and saw their defense hold up against a tenacious Warrior attack to claim the hard-fought win.
The Aztecs took the lead less than a minute into the match. Sophomore Paul Szefler was tripped as he dribbled into the Westmont box and drew the foul. Senior Tyler Tinling easily converted the ensuing penalty kick to put the Aztecs up, 1-0. The goal was Tinling's second of the season.
In the 13th minute, the Aztecs extended their lead to 2-0 when Szefler took a pass from freshman Matt Couch, dribbled into the box and shot past goalkeeper Jonathan Rinn for his third goal of the season. Szefler has scored in three of the Aztecs' four matches this season.
After the early scoring, the SDSU defense had to withstand a tenacious Westmont attack. Aztec goalkeeper Colin Hanke, a junior making his first collegiate start, was up to the task by making three saves and allowing only one goal, Ben Meek's tally in the 73rd minute, despite facing 14 Westmont shots.
With the victory, San Diego State improved to 1-2-1 on the season. Westmont is 3-2.
The Aztecs return to action Friday at the Sports Deck for a 4 p.m. match against IUPUI in the first game of the SDSU/USD Tournament.
SCORING SUMMARY:GOAL Time Team ## Goal Scorer Assists 1. 0:57 SDSU 19 Tyler Tinling (2) Penalty kick 2. 12:05 SDSU 14 Paul Szefler (3) 13 Matt Couch 3. 72:57 WC 3 Ben Meek (3) 17 Ricardo Alvarez