Aug. 28, 2008
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The San Diego State men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to UNLV in an exhibition game Monday in Las Vegas, Nev. The Aztecs had the better scoring chances, but were unable to capitalize with a score.
It was a tale of two halves for SDSU, which had the better scoring opportunities in the first half, but greater possession in the second frame. On the other side, the Rebels' first half was better in terms of possession, but struggled with just a few scoring chances in the second half.
Junior Nick Cardenas (Thornton, Colo.) had San Diego State's first good chance in the 10th minute but had his open net header sail over the crossbar. At about the 33rd minute, redshirt junior Jamel Wallace (San Diego, Calif./Oceanside HS) had his breakaway attempt stopped by the UNLV goalkeeper, keeping the game scoreless heading into the intermission.
The Aztecs controlled the majority of the second half with crisp passes and a patient offense. However, the Rebels got the lone goal of the game against the run of the play on a quick counterattack opportunity. The goal came when Daniel Cruz brought the ball down the left side and took a shot that deflected off SDSU goalkeeper Morgan Maestas (Littleton, Colo.) and barely trickled into the net.
San Diego State will wrap up its exhibition schedule Saturday when they take on its alumni and in the annual alumni game. The game, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
The Aztecs officially begin their season on Sept. 5 when they play host to Big Ten power Michigan at 4 p.m. in the first game of The Courtyard Marriott, Central San Diego Tournament.