SAN DIEGO – The Aztec men's soccer team fell to Army West Point 2-1 in their home opener Saturday evening. The Aztecs struck first in the 23rd minute, but saw Army score two second half goals to secure the win.
"I think we had a bright start in the first half and had great control of the game by really manipulating the team in front of us and we put ourselves in a very good position leading in to half time," Head Coach Lev Kirshner said after the match. "Credit to Army for making adjustments and unfortunately on our side, we just didn't recover well enough from it. We lost control of the game and got ourselves in a position where we didn't finish off some chances towards the end to get the equalizer."
The Aztecs' goal was a result of some exceptional footwork and passing. Damian German, who displayed his superb ball skills all evening, sent a pass from the left wing to Emil Kjellker near the top of the box. Kjellker then sent a nice one-touch back to the wing where Keegan Kelly also played a one-timer to the far post where Pablo Pelaez was there for the tap-in. Pelaez, the team captain, has scored both of the Aztecs' goals this season.
The Aztecs outshot the Black Knights 7-4 in the first half and also had four corners to Army's two. However in the second half, the momentum began to shift.
Army scored the equalizer in the 58th minute when Keenan O'Shea finished a penalty kick. Aztec goalkeeper Cameron Hogg dove to his right, but O'Shea placed the ball in the opposite corner.
Minutes later, the Aztecs missed a golden opportunity to retake the lead when Tevenn Roux couldn't handle a cross which had the Army goalie out of position.
Army scored the game-winner in the 80th minute. Ibrahim Seye's shot attempt rebounded right to Christian Takaki, who was there for the finish.
Cameron Hogg (0-2-1) made one save and was saddled with the loss. Army's Justin Stoll had two saves and earned his first victory of the season.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs are in the midst of a stretch of five straight home matches. Next weekend they host LIU-Brooklyn (Friday) and UC Irvine (Sunday) as part of the Courtyard Marriott San Diego Central Aztec Soccer Tournament.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Keegan Kelly
"Keegan was special tonight. He was very good on the ball, broke their lines on many occasions and found Pablo on a beautiful service so he could just tap it in on the back post." Head Coach Lev Kirshner
STAT OF THE MATCH
After having seven shots in the first half, the Aztecs had just two in the second frame.
QUOTE OF THE MATCH
"It is very hard to win at this level and we need to start learning what it takes to do so. A lot of times it can be as simple as not beating yourselves." Head Coach Lev Kirshner
Men’s Soccer Falls to Army 2-1
