Oct. 24, 2004
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State's junior forward Heath Creager scored a goal with 1:05 remaining in the second half and the Aztecs defense played tough through two overtimes to secure a 1-1 tie with No. 2 New Mexico Sunday at the SDSU SportsDeck. SDSU improves its record to 2-4-1 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (2-10-2 overall), while the Lobos fall to 5-1-1 in the MPSF (11-1-1 overall).
"We are excited to get a decision against New Mexico, which is one of the top teams in country," SDSU head coach Lev Kirshner said. "I am extremely proud of our team, especially the way they competed despite the numerous injuries we have suffered this season."
New Mexico dominated in the first half, putting up nine shots to only one for the Aztecs, but were unable to take advantage of its chances to go up early on SDSU as two Lobo shots hit the post and two were just wide of the net.
The Aztecs gained momentum in the second half, switching to attack mode and putting pressure on New Mexico keeper Andrew Weber. The Lobos scored first in the game in the 77th minute when a corner kick deflected off two SDSU defenders and found New Mexico's Blake Danaher who shot a bullet into the net from 15 yards out. The Aztecs again turned up the pressure, missing on two strong chances before lightning struck for SDSU. Senior Blake Perry attempted a cross that went past center-box that Creager found in the corner. Despite being trapped, Creager made his way through the traffic, and a total of five New Mexico defenders, and from 12 yards out put the shot in the far side of the net.
In the overtime periods neither team had much success challenging the goal except for a Colter McCardle shot in the second overtime that just hit the post, allowing Weber to smother the ball.
"Today we really brought some fire with us," Kirshner said. "That fire allowed our team to get the tie with a team that has been in the top-5 most of the season."
Top performers for SDSU include juniors Creager and Matt Couch, senior Kenny Fechner and sophomore Colin Jennings. Creager led the way with four shot attempts, three of which were on goal, while sophomore keeper Tally Hall made four saves and forced the Lobos into numerous wide shots.
"Creager just found the ball in the corner and did what he had to do," Kirshner said. "He took the team on his shoulders and found the equalizer. Colin Jennings was also huge factor to us getting the result today, along with Matt Couch and Kenny Fechner."
New Mexico outshot the Aztecs for the game (22-9), but most of the Lobos attempts were wide and high. The Lobos narrowly led SDSU in shot on goal attempts (5-3), and put pressure on the Aztecs with a lead in corner attempts 9-3.
The tie against New Mexico marks the first result against a ranked team since a 3-2 overtime win against No. 7 Loyola Marymount in 2002. It is also the first tie against an MPSF opponent since a 1-1 deadlock with Sacramento State last season.
SDSU stays at home this week for a pair of conference games, Friday against San Jose State at 2 p.m. and Sunday versus Sacramento State at 3 p.m.