Aug. 29, 2003
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Oregon State Beavers defeated the San Diego State Aztecs in the season-opening women's soccer game for both teams Friday afternoon, 1-0. The Aztecs dropped the opening game of a season for the first time since a 3-0 loss to UCLA on Aug. 30, 1997.
The Aztecs controlled the ball and the offense for the majority of the first half, out-shooting Oregon State, 6-3. The Beavers countered with a strong second half, holding a 7-2 shot advantage.
Beaver midfielder Brianna Monka scored the lone goal of the game at the 61:58 mark. The shot from eight yards out went into the lower right corner of the net past diving Aztec goalkeeper Stephanie Pearson. The assist went to forward Stacey Mescher.
"I felt we gave a great effort in the first half," SDSU head coach Chuck Clegg said. "The second half came down to whoever took advantage of the first great opportunity and Oregon State did so."
Forward Kim Castellanos recorded two shots to lead the San Diego State offensive attack. Six others recorded one shot each.
Pearson registered two saves for the game. "She played very well and is in mid-season form," Clegg said.
"There were a lot of positives we'll take from this game," Clegg added.
San Diego State next travels to Fullerton to play in the truncated SOCCER TOWN Classic Tournament. Their lone match in the tournament is against UC Irvine at 1 p.m. Monday. The Anteaters lost at Pepperdine, 1-0 in overtime, on Friday and play Fairleigh Dickinson at the SOCCER TOWN Classic on Aug. 30 prior to meeting the Aztecs Monday.