Aug. 19, 2008
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Junior Evan Toft (Aurora, Colo.) took a cross from redshirt junior Matt McManus (Santa Clarita, Calif.) and calmly tucked the ball into the left corner to give the San Diego State men's soccer team a 1-0 victory over Westmont College in its first preseason game of the season Monday.
The Aztecs controlled play throughout the match and more quality scoring chances than the Warriors, a NAIA powerhouse who has made 16 trips to the NAIA national tournament.
SDSU's goal came on a play that began with senior co-captain Dennis Sanchez (Redmond, Wash.). Sanchez slid a pass to a breaking McManus. McManus took one dribble and served a ball to Toft who one-touched the ball into the net for the only score of the game.
San Diego State had a host of other chances as well, including a shot off the crossbar and sophomore Michael Rocha's (Pasadena, Calif.) miss from inside the six-yard box. On the play, Rocha collided the with Westmont goalkeeper but somehow came away with the ball. However, his shot attempt from close range narrowly missed the post as he struggled to get his bearings back.
Freshman Justin Davies (San Diego, Calif./Brooks School (Mass.)) had another chance for the Aztecs early in the second half but had his breakaway opportunity stymied by the Warrior goalkeeper. In addition, McManus had a goal called back because of an offsides call.
Other players who stood out were freshman Daniel Steres (Calabasas, Calif.) and redshirt freshman Pedro Adan (San Diego, Calif./Preuss HS). The duo entered in the 20th minute and helped settle down an emotionally charged squad playing against its first competition of the season. Thirteen minutes after they entered the game, Toft scored the game-winner.
Senior Jorge Rosales (San Jose, Calif.) started the game in net for the Aztecs and did a good job organizing the team from the back. Redshirt freshman transfer R.J. Smith (San Diego, Calif./Granite Hills HS) also saw action between the pipes, making a nice save on a point blank shot by a Westmont player.
SDSU continues its exhibition schedule on Sunday, Aug. 24, when it travels to UNLV (8 p.m.).