Aug. 28, 2016
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Senior forward Michael Sauers scored a goal in the 11th minute on Sunday to lead the San Diego State men's soccer team to a 1-0 triumph over Bradley in the Gonzaga Soccer Tournament at Luger Field.
"This was a wonderful victory against a very difficult and quality opponent," said SDSU head coach Lev Kirshner. "I am very proud of our team and the character they exuded this weekend."
After gathering a quick pass from redshirt freshman midfielder Pablo Pelaez, Sauers fought his way through two defenders and launched a shot from the top left corner of the 18-yard box that sailed past the outstretched arms of Bradley netminder Logan Ketterer for the game's only score.
The Aztecs outshot the Braves 8-5 and maintained a 2-1 edge in corner kicks during the defensive battle. Sauers and Pelaez led all players with three shots apiece, while junior forward Jeroen Meefout and freshman midfielder AJ Vergara finished with one attempt apiece.
Goalkeeper Adam Allmaras made two saves on the afternoon to complete his first shutout of the season and the 11th of his career. The redshirt junior snuffed out a pair of Bradley threats, collecting Jack Lang's shot from the right wing in the 13th minute before deflecting Richard Olson's strike from the near left side later in the 70th minute.
San Diego State returns to the pitch on Friday, Sept. 2, when it squares off against Akron in its home opener at 7 p.m. PT as part of Alumni Family and Friends Weekend at SDSU Sports Deck. On Saturday, Sept. 3, the Aztecs will conduct their annual Alumni Game, beginning at noon. Admission is free for both contests.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Michael Sauers received Man of the Match honors after scoring the game-winning goal in SDSU's victory over Bradley. Sauers, who had both shots on target for the Aztecs on Sunday, played in all 90 minutes against the Braves.