Sept. 2, 2005
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - San Diego got a late goal from Heath Creager as it defeated Rutgers, 1-0, at the Philips/adidas Classic in Piscataway, N.J. Friday evening. The match was the season opener for both schools and gave Aztec head coach Lev Kirshner his first win in two attempts over his alma mater.
Although the Scarlet Knights out-shot SDSU 12-7 (including 9-2 in the second half), it was Creager who notched the winning goal at the 78:48 mark, The senior from Glendale, Ariz., got behind his defender and gathered a ball that was deflected, heading a shot past Rutgers keeper Lubos Ancin.
The home side had several good scoring opportunities, especially in the first half, but was held at Bay by Aztec goalie Tally Hall, who made four saves.
"I'm excited about the win," said Kirshner. "This game was a litmus test for us to see just where we're at, and we were able to beat a perennial top team and keep a clean sheet in the process. The team really stepped it up and we had big contributions off the bench in the second half from freshman Matt McManus, Dennis Sanchez and Kevin Werbner.
The Aztecs continue play at the Philips/adidas Classic on Saturday (Sept. 3) when they take on St. John's at 5:30 p.m. (EDT). The Red Storm, which defeated Holy Cross (3-0) in the opening match of the Classic, is ranked as high as fifth in the nation in preseason polls.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Heath Creager captured Man of the Match honors for tallying the game-winning goal. It was his ninth collegiate career goal at SDSU after coming to the Aztecs from the University of Indiana in 2003.