Oct. 23, 2011
USAF ACADEMY, Colo. -
San Diego State-Air Force Final Box
Cat Walker provided all the offense San Diego State needed for the second straight outing as the Aztecs downed Air Force in overtime, 1-0, Sunday morning. SDSU is now 9-6-3 (3-1-1 Mountain West) and the Falcons are 6-9-3 (1-4 MW).
The first half finished in a scoreless tie, but the Aztecs were clearly the aggressors. SDSU attempted four shots before the Falcons were able to challenge San Diego State goalkeeper Rachel Boaz. The visitor's defense held the home side in check for nearly 30 minutes until Bridgett Murphy put one on goal at the 29:30 mark.
In the final nine-plus minutes of the half, Hannah Keane was able to put two shots on goal, but was stopped each time by Air Force keeper Kelly Stambaugh. At the halftime horn, the Aztecs held a 7-3 advantage in shots and a 3-1 lead in shots on goal.
After halftime, San Diego State was even more dominant, but was unable to find the back of the net. Similar to the first half, Sophie Metz and Walker were the first two Aztecs to attempt shots. Walker's second of the half, meanwhile, was denied by Stambaugh in the 62nd minute.
Perhaps SDSU's best opportunity came at the 74:53 mark when Metz blasted a shot on goal and was stopped by Stambaugh, who finished with six saves. The rebound, however, went to Kelsey Booth, who three seconds later put one on goal. Unfortunately for the freshman, she was turned away. As the clock hit 90:00, San Diego State was credited with 14 shots, including six shots on goal, for the game. The Falcons, meanwhile, did not attempt a shot in the second frame.
In overtime, the Aztecs needed just 59 seconds to notch the game-winning goal. Booth found Walker, who rattled the back of the net from 10 yards out into the right corner.
The goal was Walker's eighth of the season and fourth game-winning score of the season. For Booth, the assist was the first of her career and her first career point.
Boaz was unchallenged once again as the Aztecs continued their outstanding play on defense. The goalkeeper registered just one save en route to her seventh shutout of 2011.
With its effort, San Diego State has allowed just one goal in the last 476 minutes, 44 seconds. Equally impressive is the fact that the Aztecs have not allowed a goal in their last 386 minutes, 44 seconds on the road.
San Diego State outshot AFA, 15-3, and enjoyed a 7-1 advantage in shots on goal. Each team attempted four corner kicks.
SDSU will put the finishing touches on the 2011 regular season on Friday, Oct. 28, when it plays at UNLV. The game is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. PT.