Sept. 24, 2011
SAN DIEGO -
The San Diego State men's soccer team, looking to extend a four-game winning streak, was unable to do so and settled for a 0-0, double-overtime draw with Central Arkansas on Saturday afternoon at the SDSU Sports Deck. The Aztecs will now prepare for their Pac-12 home opener on Friday, Sept. 30 against Stanford.
The first half was evenly played as SDSU held a slight 5-3 advantage in shots. The first good opportunity for the Aztecs came in the 18th minute on an attempt by John Pegg, but Central Arkansas goalkeeper Amir Pasic saved it. Jose Altamirano then had his attempt in the 30th minute blocked after nearly connecting. After their first shot went wide right, the Bears had two more chances late in the half. Andrew Woesik nearly found the net, but his shot hit the crossbar. Central Arkansas, however, was unable to connect on the rebound and the half ended with no score.
In the second half, the Aztecs came out firing as they outshot the Bears by a 6-1 margin. SDSU tallied two shots in the first 13 minutes, but Pasic saved both. The next opportunity for San Diego State came in the 68th minute when Jordan Ongaro's shot missed high. After the Aztecs had two more chances to take the lead, Joseph Cervantes finally notched a shot for Central Arkansas but it was blocked. SDSU's final opportunity in regulation came in the 89th minute, but Altamirano was unable to connect as his shot went wide right.
The first overtime period was a defensive battle, as Central Arkansas held a slim 2-1 edge in shots. The first attempt by the Bears came in the 98th minute as Daylong Schiffel almost connected, but Aztec goalkeeper Blake Hylen saved it. Altamirano then had SDSU's lone shot, but his attempt was high. With five seconds remaining in the period, Ethan Miller of Central Arkansas had a chance to win the game but missed wide.
In the second overtime period, neither team was able to get much going as the Bears held a small 1-0 advantage in shots. The only attempt by Central Arkansas came in the 109th minute as a shot by Stephen Williams was blocked and the game ended in a 0-0 tie.
San Diego State will return to action next Friday, Sept. 30, when they open conference play against Stanford at the SDSU Sports Deck. The Pac-12 opener is scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. PT start and admission is free.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Redshirt senior Pedro Adan (San Diego/Preuss HS) was named the Man of the Match after controlling the midfield for all 110 minutes of play. The co-captain had one shot and helped the Aztecs pick up their third shutout of the season.