Aug. 31, 2007
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SAN DIEGO - Freshman forward Katie Tribbey scored her first goal as an Aztec 24 seconds into the game, but it wasn't enough as the San Diego State women's soccer team was forced to settle for a 1-1 tie against Toledo after two overtimes on Friday at the SDSU Sports Deck.
"Overall, I'm really pleased with the way we started the season today," head coach Mike Friesen said. "This team played hard and with great intensity all game long and if we can keep that up, we'll be very good."
Tribbey, a native of Foothill Ranch, Calif., gave the Aztecs the early lead after she connected on a shot from 12 yards out on the right side. The goal, which was assisted by senior Jackie Ragudos, made it past an outstretched Angela Righeimer in the top right corner of the net.
The Rockets wasted little time in responding to SDSU's goal, as senior Sarah Schulte scored on a cross header from the right side at the 2:52 mark.
From that point on, the game was dominated by the two defenses, both of which allowed only eight shots on net. The Aztecs hustled to loose balls the entire game but where unable to gain momentum as they were called for 27 fouls.
"The 27 fouls tell me the team wasn't being outworked on the field," Friesen said. "The fouls are the type of adversity that this team is going to face this season and I thought they responded well.
"If the team can respond to adversity like they did tonight, they'll be able to handle what happens over the course of the year."
The Aztecs best chance to win the game in regulation came at the 88:54 mark in the second period when senior Jessica Girdner had her shot off junior Jillian Riker's corner kick blocked.
In the second overtime, Ragudos had an opportunity to clinch the victory with just over five minutes left but missed her shot wide left.
SDSU was able to fend off Toledo for the final 16 minutes of overtime despite the Rockets owning the one player advantage on the field after sophomore Heather Vandevanter picked up a red card.
The Aztecs return to the SDSU Sports Deck for the second game of the San Diego Soccer Tournament on Sunday when they face Florida Atlantic at 2 p.m.