Sept. 27, 2015
STOCKTON, Calif. - After having two matches advance into double overtime this season, San Diego State's men's soccer team was determined to end a double overtime match on its own terms, topping the University of the Pacific, 1-0, with a stellar defensive effort and a goal in the 104th minute on Sunday.
The Aztecs move to 5-1-2 on the season, competing in their final match before the start of Pac-12 play. The Tigers' record fell to 1-8-0.
The match ended just 3:24 into the second overtime period. Rene Reyes dribbled the ball around a Pacific defender, then crossed it to Travis Nicklaw at the high left corner of the 18-yard box. Nicklaw flicked the ball perfectly to Ernest Reyes, who headed in the ball just inside the right post. The match-winner was the first tally of Reyes's career.
The Aztecs opened the match with a strong defensive effort, spoiling any Tiger attempts to take a shot until the 52nd minute.
At the 69-minute mark, Pacific put redshirt-freshman Nedin Tucakovic to work, sending a long pass from just inside San Diego State's third to the box. Tristan Blackmon's shot forced the San Jose native to make the diving stop.
The Scarlet and Black nearly took the lead at 80:16. Dallin Cutler sent a long shot sailing to the net, forcing Pacific's goalkeeper, Curtis Goldsmith, leaping to snag the ball.
San Diego State out-shot Pacific, 14-8, in the match, putting six shots on goal, and were led by Jeroen Meefout's three attempts. The Aztecs' backline continued to thwart their opponent, playing strong defense in the box to limit close range chances and allow just three Pacific shots on goal.
Playing full-time for the first time in his collegiate career, Tucakovic made three saves en route to his first win as an Aztec.
San Diego State begins Pac-12 play with its best record in 10 seasons on Fri., Oct. 2 at Washington. The match, streamed on the Pac-12 Networks, is set to begin at 6 p.m.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sophomore Ernest Reyes is the Aztecs' Man of the Match after his first collegiate goal was San Diego State's match-winner against Pacific. The San Diego native headed in the golden goal after receiving a chipped pass from Travis Nicklaw 103:24 into the match. Logging 32 minutes on the pitch, the marker was Reyes' only shot during the match.