Sept. 7, 2007
OMAHA, Neb. - Senior Jackie Ragudos scored her first two goals of the season and junior Alicia Piz tallied an assist to lift the San Diego State women's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Creighton University (2-1) on Friday evening. SDSU, who had defeated the Blue Jays by an identical score last year, improved to 2-0 all-time against Creighton.
The Aztecs (1-1-1), who picked up their first win of the season, dominated the first half of play, out shooting the Blue Jays nine to three.
"It was nice to get the first win out of the way for myself and the team," said first-year head coach Mike Friesen. "We played very well tonight in an unbelievable stadium. To play on the road and get a convincing win was important for us."
Ragudos struck first in the 13th minute when she connected on a give and go play from seven yards out on the left side. The goal, which was assisted by Piz, made it past an outstretched Kristen Casey into the bottom right corner of the net.
Creighton had a chance to tie the score at 1-1 when Marcy Gans pushed a shot past a diving Aubree Southwick that found the back of the net, but the goal did not count due to a late offsides call.
About a minute and a half later, Ragudos connected for her second goal of the night, creating her own shot off the dribble that made its way to the top right corner of the net at the 39:49 mark.
San Diego State's defense continued to shine in the second half as they were able to keep the Blue Jays scoreless and hold on for the win. Freshman goalkeeper Aubree Southwick played all 90 minutes and had two saves, picking up her first shutout of the season.
"The defense did a really nice job tonight," said Friesen. "We were able to lock them down in the first half getting the 2-0 lead, and in the second half, we bent a little but didn't break.
"Also, for Aubree, a freshman goalie, to get a shutout on the road is huge for her confidence level."
The Aztecs kept the pressure on the Blue Jays all game, owning the 15-9 advantage in shots and 7-2 advantage in shots on goal.
The Aztecs will return to action on Sunday when they head to Lincoln, Neb. for a meeting with the Nebraska Cornhuskers at 1 p.m. CT.