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Nov. 4, 2002
SAN DIEGO - Six seniors will play their final match in an Aztec uniform as the San Diego State men's soccer team completes the 2002 season with Senior Day against Gonzaga.
- The Aztecs (4-12-2 overall, 0-5-1 MPSF) will be taking on their fourth West Coast Conference opponent of the season when they host the Bulldogs (4-8-1) for a 3:00 p.m. start at the Sports Deck.
Final Match For Six SDSU Seniors
- On Friday, the SDSU program bids farewell to six seniors playing their final match. The group includes five four-year contributors and one junior-college transfer.
- Goalkeeper Brian Barnes has continued SDSU's proud tradition of excellent goalkeepers as a four-year season-opening starter in the net for the Aztecs. This season, he set both SDSU's career and single-season records for saves with 279 and 95, respectively. A 2000 all-MPSF selection, Barnes is also a decorated scholar-athlete who has received SDSU's Monty Award for maintaining a 3.5 or better GPA in each semester over the last three years. He also received the school's Malik Award in fall 2000 for maintaining the highest GPA (4.0) among male student-athletes. Barnes' leadership qualities, which have been acknowledged by his team with SDSU's captainship over the past two seasons, was also nationally recognized when he was selected to the prestigious 2002 NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference.
- Defender Ryan Cook has solidified the Aztec defense with his play at sweeper and his leadership abilities, for which he was chosen as a team captain in 2002. His outstanding play in solidifying the Aztec back line last season was recognized with all-conference honors. Cook, who was awarded SDSU's Big Red Award in 2000 for maintaining a 3.2 or higher GPA, will play in the 58th match of his four-year Aztec career on Friday.
- Tyler Tinling has been one of the most versatile players in the history of the SDSU program with his ability to play any position on the field. He is a former all-conference selection whose work ethic and skill level have been tremendous assets to the program. Tinling's 13 goals in 56 career matches include a four-goal effort against Christian Heritage last season. He earned all-MPSF honors in 2001 and is a two-time all-conference academic selection as well as an SDSU scholar-athlete award winner in each of the last three years.
- Abraham Martinez has been a defensive stalwart for the Aztecs during his four seasons with the program. He is the most tenured player on this year's Aztec team with 62 games played going into Friday's match. Martinez is a recipient of SDSU scholar-athlete awards in each of the past six semesters, including five times maintaining a 3.5 GPA or better. He is also a three-time Academic All-MPSF choice aiming for his fourth straight selection this season and a 2002 Verizon Academic All-America nominee.
- Travis Baker is one of the most talented local players to ever suit up for San Diego State. A Point Loma High School product, he has solidified the Aztec midfield over the past four seasons with 44 matches played. Baker is also a decorated student-athlete, having been recognized with conference all-academic honors in 2000, SDSU scholar-athlete awards twice and a Verizon Academic All-American nomination this season.
- Adam Kulpa transferred to SDSU from Yavapai Junior College and has since established himself as a steady defensive presence for the Aztecs. After a rash of injuries decimated the SDSU back line early this season, Kulpa moved to defender and has provided solid play there for the Aztecs all season. A recipient of the 2001 coaches' award, Kulpa has played in 17 matches this season and 29 overall in his Aztec career.
MPSF Update
- New Mexico and San Jose State have clinched the top two seeds in the Nov. 14-17 MPSF tournament. The Lobos won their first five conference matches and locked up the top spot in the tournament by virtue of Sunday's 1-0 overtime victory over the Spartans. With Sunday's loss at Denver, San Diego State was eliminated from the six-team tournament. The remaining four seeds are up for grabs as the six teams already into the tourney jockey for position with three conference matches on Sunday.
Home Sweet Home
- Friday's home finale brings the Aztecs back to the Sports Deck where they have enjoyed much more success this season. While often playing short-handed due to injuries against a road schedule that featured five regionally ranked teams from the Far West, the Aztecs finished the regular season with a 0-8-1 mark away from home.
- On the other hand, SDSU holds a 4-4-1 home record that includes shutouts of CSU Fullerton and Sacramento State as well as a win over then-No. 7 Loyola Marymount, the program's first win over a top-10 opponent since 1989.
Scouting Gonzaga
- The Bulldogs had struggled for most of the season against a very difficult schedule, but they enter Friday's match on a high note after claiming a 3-2 double-overtime victory at WCC rival No. 15 San Diego on Friday.
- Only five players have scored this season as the Zags have totaled 12 goals in 13 matches. Kari Arnason and Scott Yuska are tied for the team lead with three points and seven goals, while Arni Pjetursson has taken the most shots with 35. Mike McCarthy has played the entire season in goal and has allowed 20 goals while making 75 saves.
- Gonzaga owns a 3-1 all-time series lead, but the series is tied 1-1 in San Diego. The two teams met last season in Corvallis, Ore., as part of the Diadora Classic. Despite two second-half scores by the Aztecs and a late rally that included a Ryan Curtis goal in the 86th minute, the Bulldogs claimed a 3-2 victory.
MPSF StandingsNo. School Conf. (Pts) Overall1. New Mexico 5-0-0 (15) 15-2-02. San Jose State 4-1-0 (12) 10-8-03. UNLV 3-2-0 (9) 10-7-04. Sacramento State 2-2-1 (7) 5-7-45. Air Force 2-3-0 (6) 8-8-16. Denver 1-4-0 (3) 7-11-07. San Diego State 0-5-1 (1) 4-12-2