Oct. 21, 2007
SAN DIEGO - Senior Jackie Ragudos scored her team-leading seventh goal of the season to lead the San Diego State women's soccer team to the 1-0 victory over Wyoming on Sunday at the SDSU Sports Deck. The win improves SDSU's Mount West Conference record to 3-1, 8-6-2 overall, and marks the team's best start in conference action since 2002.
The Aztecs were once again led by their stellar defense and goaltending. The combination helped SDSU record its fourth shut out in the last five games.
The tandem of sophomores Millie Allen and Allie Crowson, junior Ali Lokanc and freshman Laura Bahno used their physicality all game to limit the Cowgirls to 11 shots, with only three attempts on goal. Those three shots were turned back by freshman goalkeeper Aubree Southwick who moved into third place on the program's all-time single season shutout record list by registering her eighth of 2007.
"We started the game out a little flat and had to refocus at halftime," head coach Mike Friesen said. "I'm really pleased with the way our women rallied in the second half and gave a better effort. Their intensified effort directly related to them creating more offensive opportunities and scoring our goal.
"This was a huge weekend for us that included two big victories that have put us near the top of the conference standings. We have a short time to enjoy our success because we have to turn around and get ready for a very good New Mexico team on Thursday."
The Aztec offense seemed sluggish at the offset but was able to get back on track in the second stanza starting with Ragudos' fourth-game winning score of the season.
The San Diego, native was able to corral a perfect pass off a header from sophomore Heather Vandevanter and zip the shot past the left side of the goalie in the 72nd minute of play. The offensive run was started by Southwick who was able to boot the ball from her area on a free kick to the Wyoming field of play.
Despite not scoring another tally in the second half, SDSU was able to create quality scoring chances. Senior Jessica Girdner had three shots prior to Ragudos' score that just missed to the right, left and high of the goal.
In the 84th minute of play, SDSU was just denied an insurance goal twice when Vandevanter hit the left post and Lokanc missed high on the subsequent rebound.
The Aztecs return to the SDSU Sports Deck to wrap up their three-game homestand on Thursday against New Mexico. Kickoff between the Aztecs and Lobos is set for 4 p.m.