Nov. 13, 2005
SAN DIEGO - UCLA forward Kamini Hill scored in the third minute of the second overtime period to give the Bruins a 1-0 win over San Diego State Sunday afternoon SDSU. The game marked the end of the 2005 regular season for both squads and was played before a record crowd of 1,516 fans at the SDSU Sports Deck.
With the win the sixth-ranked Bruins improved to 12-4-3 overall and 7-1-2 in the Pac-10. San Diego State, ranked 18th this week by Soccer America, fell to 9-3-7 and finished 2-3-6 in league play.
UCLA came out looking for the early goal, and almost got it in the eighth minute when Jonathan Bornstein's flick of a cross from the right flank hit the right post and bounded away.
Eight minute later, Bornstein was brought down in the box and a penalty kick was awarded to the Bruins. Patrick Ianni, a member of the national U-20 team, hit the PK low to the left where it was saved by SDSU goalie Tally Hall to preserve the 0-0 score line.
After weathering the storm in the first half, the Aztecs exerted more influence on the contest in the second half and equaled the Bruins' shot total over the second 45 minutes with each team getting four opportunities. SDSU's Craig Chiles led all players with six shots on the afternoon.
The build-up to the UCLA's game-wining goal came when Bornstein pick up an errant pass just inside the Aztec half and dribbled down the right side before sending a low cross into the area. Hill took one touch before turning and firing a low rocket from 10 yards past Hall. The goal came with 7:35 left in the second overtime period.
SDSU's Hall faced 17 Bruins shots on the afternoon and made four saves while Bruin keeper Eric Reed made one stop.
Prior to Sunday's match, the Aztecs honored four seniors playing in their final home contest. That quartet included forward Heath Creager along with defenders Matt Couch, Mike Mercuriali and Eric Santiago.
With the regular season concluded, the Aztecs now await to see if they will receive an invitation to play in the 2005 NCAA Tournament as an at-large team. The announcement of the tourney field will be made live on Monday (Nov. 14) at 1:00 p.m. (PST) on ESPN News.
MEN OF THE MATCH
The four SDSU seniors, including of Heath Creager, Matt Couch, Mike Mercuriali and Eric Santiago, shared Man of the Match honors for the UCLA contest. The foursome, all of who started the contest, were honored for their effort, not only vs. the Bruins, but on behalf of the Aztec men's soccer program during their time at San Diego State. Each contributed to the program's success and has been a part of helping build the team for the future.
2005 Man of the Match Honorees
8/18 vs. UCSD......................Kraig Chiles, MF
8/27 vs. Alumni.....................Nick Collins, MF
8/30 vs. NJIT.........................Luis Trejo, GK
9/2 vs. Rutgers.....................Heath Creager, F
9/3 vs. St. John's..................Tally Hall, GK
9/10 vs. UC Riverside...........Johann Helgason, MF
9/15 vs. Pt. Loma...................Raul Bautista, F
9/18 vs. UMKC.......................Kraig Chiles, MF
9/22 vs. Alabama A&M..........Matt Couch, D
9/25 vs. Duquesne................Kraig Chiles, MF
9/30 vs. Stanford..................Matt Couch, D
10/2 vs. California.................Dennis Sanchez, MF
10/7 vs. Oregon State...........Eric Santiago, D
10/9 vs. Washington.............Nick Clemens, D
10/16 vs. UCLA.....................Tally Hall, GK
10/24 vs. San Diego..............Omar Persad, F
10/28 vs. Washington............Matt Couch, D
10/30 vs. Oregon State....... Heath Creager, F
11/13 vs. UCLA.....................Matt Couch, D; Heath Creager, F; Mike Mercuriali, D; Eric Santiago, D