Aug. 21, 2009
SAN DIEGO - In its first game without the benefit of an exhibition contest, the San Diego State women's soccer team came out and struck early en route to a 1-0 season-opening victory over 2008 NCAA Tournament participant Fresno State Friday afternoon at SDSU Sports Deck.
The Aztecs (1-0) won a season-opening contest for the first time since 2006 and defeated the Bulldogs (0-1) for the first time since 1998 when the two schools were members of the Western Athletic Conference.
SDSU, which dominated the first half of play, created numerous scoring opportunities for itself and cashed in on a corner kick from the right side. Jessica Gordon, who took a majority of the corner kicks, lofted one to newcomer and defender Hayley Marsh who in turn blasted a shot from 25 yards out and found the back of the net.
San Diego State was aggressive on both sides of the ball, especially in the first 45 minutes, as it took 12 shots and limited the Fresno State offense to just a single attempt. The Bulldogs' one opportunity, however, hit the crossbar, but that was as much pressure Aztec goalkeeper Aubree Southwick would see for the rest of the game despite an evenly played second half.
After the mid-game intermission, both teams utilized the whole field as the action went back and forth. San Diego State managed to finish with a 5-3 advantage in shots, but neither team could get into an offensive rhythm and as a result, the Aztecs emerged with the win.
After the final horn sounded, SDSU finished with a significant advantage in shots (17-4), shots on goal (6-0) and corner kicks (9-0), while Southwick recorded her 14th shutout of her career, which ranks second all-time in San Diego State history.
The Aztecs return to action on Sunday as they play host to Cal State Northridge, a team that defeated them in overtime in last year's season opener. Game time is set for 1 p.m. PT at SDSU Sports Deck.