SAN DIEGO – The Aztec men's soccer team fell to Cal 2-0 at the SDSU Sports Deck Sunday evening. The Golden Bears scored in the 20th and 40th minute and were able to keep the Aztecs scoreless despite SDSU holding a 16-8 edge in shots.
"The guys played very hard for our seniors tonight," Head Coach Lev Kirshner said after the match. "It was unfortunate we couldn't get the result we hoped for to send them out properly. I thought we grew in to the match very well. After a sloppy first half, we had a very nice second half."
The Aztecs' 16 shots were a season-high for conference play, and their seven shots on goal tied a season high. Despite the high volume of shots and a significant edge in possession in the second half, the Aztecs struggled to create dangerous situations for the Cal defense.
Their best chance came in the 80th minute after a mistake by a Cal defender gave Robby Jacobs a one-on-one with the goalkeeper but SDSU could not take advantage of the miscue.
Cal was limited to four shots in the first half, however all four were on goal and two resulted in scores. Their first goal came in the 20th minute when Taylor Davila finished a Christopher Grey cross with one-touch.
Their second goal came in the 40th minute following a Davila free kick that sailed over the Aztec defense. With Cameron Hogg charging, Lucas Churchill chipped the ball over Hogg's head.
Senior Damian German tied a season-high with seven shots and four on goal. Fellow senior, Cameron Hogg, made three saves, but was saddled with the loss.
MEN OF THE MATCH – The Seniors
"All of them came in and bought in to what we were trying to get done here and that's a testament to who they are as far as teammates." Head Coach Lev Kirshner
STAT OF THE MATCH
The Aztecs' 16 shots were the most they have had in a Pac-12 match this season
QUOTE OF THE MATCH
"Being an Aztec means holding yourself and those around you to a higher standard." Senior goalkeeper Cameron Hogg on what being an Aztec means to him.
THE NOTE I
Before the match, the Aztecs' four seniors were honored: Aleks Berkolds, Damian German, Cameron Hogg and Ilai Shvika.
THE NOTE II
Cal's two first half goals were the first goals the Aztecs have given up in the first half in Pac-12 play.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs wrap up their season next Thursday at UCLA with an 8:00 p.m. match.
Aztecs Fall to Cal 2-0 on Senior Night
