SAN DIEGO – The Aztec men's soccer team (5-5-1, 1-3-0) saw their five match home winning streak snapped after falling to Washington 2-1 Sunday afternoon.
After both teams failed to score in the first half, the Huskies grabbed the lead in the 58th minute only to see the Aztecs tie it up eight minutes later on a Pablo Pelaez goal. Washington scored the game-winner in the 72nd minute to give the Aztecs their third loss in Pac-12 play.
"There was no difference in our performance today than in any of our last five wins at home," Head Coach Lev Kirshner said after the match. "The quality of our team is fantastic. The difference between wins and losses can very small and unfortunately we came up short today."
The Aztecs had their first scoring chance in the 10th minute when Tevenn Roux had a half volley shot roll just wide off a cross.
The best first half opportunity for UW came in the 37th minute when Blake Bodily sent a dangerous low cross in to the box, but Max Watkin was able to intercept it.
The two teams combined for just one shot on goal in the first half. The Aztecs have allowed just two first half goals through 11 matches.
The Huskies found the back of the net in the 58th minute. Kyle Coffee took the ball down the right sideline then juked a defender to make his way into the box. He drew in the Aztec defense and then passed across the box to a wide open Blake Bodily, who finished inside the near post.
Eight minutes later the Aztecs netted the equalizer. Damian German sucked in the UW defense dribbling along the end line then fired a perfect pass to Pablo Pelaez, who sent a left-footed one-timer in to the upper corner of the net. It was the second straight goal created by German and Pelaez.
The German-Pelaez connecting strikes again! This time it's German providing the perfect assist to Pelaez. pic.twitter.com/ylbHUntD0h
— SDSU Men's Soccer (@AztecMensSoccer) October 7, 2018
The Huskies retook the lead in the 72nd minute on a breakaway goal by Dylan Teves. Watkin charged Teves and met him at the top corner of the box, but Teves slipped it past him and in to the back of the net.
The match was physical all afternoon with a combined 37 fouls called and nine cautions issued. It got especially chippy in the final 15 minutes when five yellows were given out.
Watkin (1-1-0) suffered his first loss of the season. He had one save, but allowed the two second half goals. UW's Saif Kerawala earned the win, making one save and allowing one goal.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Damian German – Had beautiful assist on the Aztecs' lone goal.
STAT OF THE MATCH
The Aztec were issued five cards, including three in a four minute span near the end of regulation. Pablo Pelaez, the team captain and leader in goals and points, was issued two yellows in the match, resulting in a red, which means he will have to sit out next match.
THE NOTE I
Pablo Pelaez leads the team in goals (5) and shots and is tied with the team lead in assists (3). He has been involved in eight of the Aztecs' 12 goals.
THE NOTE II
The loss snaps a streak of five straight home wins for the Aztecs. Their last loss on the Sports Deck was against Army in their home opener September 1.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs remain at home, hosting UCLA Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.