Sept. 22, 2005
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State remained unbeaten after sophomore midfielder Kraig Chiles scored on a penalty kick in the 88th minute to lift the Aztecs to a 1-0 victory over Alabama A&M Thursday afternoon at the SDSU Sports Deck. With the win, San Diego State improves to 5-0-1, its best start since 1991, while the Bulldogs fall to 2-6.
The game was a physical, defensive battle throughout as there were 42 total fouls called, including 15 in the first half. During the initial 45 minutes, the Aztecs outshot their opponent 7-5, but Bulldog goalkeeper Mlondi Mdludi was forced to make only one save.
As the game progressed, the physicality increased and came to a climax when junior forward Raul Bautista was brought down in the box at the 87:54 mark. SDSU was awarded a penalty kick and Chiles put his shot to the left of Mdludi to give him the game-winner, his fourth goal of the season and third in the last two games.
Junior goalkeeper Tally Hall shutout his fifth opponent of the season while playing all 90 minutes and making four saves.
"Alabama A&M is similar to the Rutgers team we played at the beginning of the season in that their abilities are not shown in the wins and losses column," head coach Lev Kirshner said. "(The Bulldogs) are one of the best passing teams we have played against and I am very pleased with the victory."
The Aztecs continue their season-long seven-match homestand with a Sunday matinee against Duquesne University at the SDSU Sports Deck. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Senior defender Matt Couch was San Diego State's Man of the Match for his play against Alabama A&M. Couch was the defensive leader in the backfield as he controlled the aerial contests, blocked and directed traffic. He played an integral part in shutting out the Bulldogs.
2005 Man of the Match Honorees8/18 vs. UCSD...........Kraig Chiles, MF8/27 vs. Alumni.........Nick Collins, MF8/30 vs. NJIT...........Luis Trejo, GK9/2 vs. Rutgers........Heath Creager, F9/3 vs. St. John's.....Tally Hall, GK9/10 vs. UC Riverside...Johann Helgason, MF9/15 vs. Pt. Loma.......Raul Bautista, F9/18 vs. UMKC...........Kraig Chiles, MF9/22 vs. Alabama A&M....Matt Couch, D