Nov. 1, 2013
BERKELEY, Calif. - The San Diego State men's soccer team's second-half rally fell short on Friday afternoon, as the Aztecs dropped its match to No. 1 California, 3-2, at Goldman Field at Edwards Stadium.
Senior midfielder Kody Duff scored each of SDSU's goals, knocking the first through the net in the 80th minute off an assist from senior Abraham Villon to cut the Aztecs' deficit to 3-1. Duff scored his second goal of the night on a penalty kick in the 83rd minute, as San Diego State trailed by only one the rest of the way.
Duff now has four goals and 10 points this season, and was named to the Capital One Academic All-District 8 Team on Thursday. Meanwhile, Villon recorded his team-leading sixth assist, and now is tied for the team-high in points with 17.
The two teams tied in shots attempted, 16-16, as senior midfielder Morgan Sacco led San Diego State with three. Sophomore goalkeeper John Marcuzzo made his second-consecutive start, and finished with five saves.
The Aztecs were stuck in freeway traffic for over an hour prior to the match, and only had 10 minutes to warm up once they reached the stadium. Before they knew it, San Diego State fell behind in the first 20 minutes of the match, 3-0.
"True to this team's nature, we never gave up and won the last 70 minutes as comfortably as one can against the No. 1 team in the nation," SDSU head coach Lev Kirshner said.
San Diego State returns to the pitch on Sunday, when it plays at Stanford, beginning at 1 p.m. PT.
Man of the Match: Senior Kody Duff (Roseville, Calif.) was named Man of the Match for the Aztecs on Friday, as he scored two goals on two shots in 51 minutes played. Duff is third on the team in both goals (4) and points (10).