Sept. 13, 2013
AKRON, Ohio - The San Diego State men's soccer team got back to its winning ways on Friday afternoon, defeating Niagara, 2-0, in the opening game of the University of Akron Tournament at First Energy Stadium in Akron, Ohio.
With the victory, the Aztecs improve to 2-2 this season and are now 1-0 away from Montezuma Road. It also snaps a three-match winless streak on the road for SDSU going back to last season.
Senior Casey Meuser got the Aztecs on the scoreboard in the 40th minute with a goal from close range on an open net, giving SDSU the lead, 1-0. Moments later, senior Blake Wise added a score of his own in the 42nd minute on a combination play from 12 yards out on assists from Meuser and senior Kody Duff. The goals were the first of the season for both Meuser and Wise, while Meuser and Duff each recorded their first assist.
The Aztecs out-shot the Purple Eagles 11-2 for the game, and 7-1 in the first half. San Diego State had a 6-0 edge in corner kicks, and senior goalkeeper Blake Hylen wasn't forced to make a save in all 90 minutes he played in the net.
SDSU entered Friday's game leading the Pac-12 Conference in shots, shots per game and corner kicks. The Aztecs have now outscored its opponents 10-6 in four matches this season, with a 60-42 edge in shots attempted. In addition, it's the seventh-straight game the Aztecs have won when leading at halftime.
San Diego State started fast offensively, getting off several shots early in the first half. Senior forward Jordan Ongaro's shot sailed wide in the 13th minute and junior defender Evyn Hewett's blast went high just moments later in the 14th minute.
The Aztecs recorded their first shot on goal in the 15th minute, as senior Morgan Sacco's attempt was saved by Niagara goalkeeper William Banahene. Niagara didn't attempt its first shot of the match until the 22nd minute.
SDSU returns to the pitch on Sunday, Sept. 15, as it continues play in the University of Akron Tournament against host Akron. The match is set to begin at 1 p.m. ET.
Man of the Match: Senior goalkeeper Blake Hylen (San Diego, Calif.) was named Man of the Match for the Aztecs, as he played a clean game in the net collecting services, cleaning up balls played behind the defense and defending Niagara's two shots. Hylen organized SDSU's defense very well, which was a big reason why it allowed so few dangerous attacks on Friday.