Men's Soccer

SDSU Set to Host Courtyard San Diego Central Tournament

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SDSU Set to Host Courtyard San Diego Central TournamentSDSU Set to Host Courtyard San Diego Central Tournament

Up Next
Courtyard San Diego Central Aztec Soccer Classic (Co-hosted with USD)
Belmont (0-1-1) at San Diego State (1-1-0)
Friday, Sept. 6 | 7:00 p.m. PT | SDSU Sports Deck on Montezuma Road | San Diego, Calif.
Media Coverage: Live Stats
 
Detroit Mercy (1-1-0) at San Diego State (1-1-0)
Sunday, Sept. 8 | 6:00 p.m. PT | SDSU Sports Deck on Montezuma Road | San Diego, Calif.
Media Coverage: Stream on Aztec Digital Network | Live Stats
 
Last Time Out
The Aztecs went 1-1-0 in their opening weekend. Last Friday, they fell 3-2 to the University of San Diego in front of 1,687 fans on the Sports Deck. SDSU rebounded to earn a 3-2 win in extra time at UNLV on Monday. Freshman Hunter George scored two goals, including the game-winner in the 97th minute.
     
Aztec Storylines

  • The Aztecs will be hosting the 12th annual Courtyard San Diego Central Aztec Soccer Classic this weekend. They take on Belmont Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. and Detroit Mercy at 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Sunday's game will be streamed on GoAztecs.com.
  • Both teams will also play at San Diego, who is co-hosting. In the tournament's 11-year history, SDSU has been crowned champions five times (2009, '11, '14, '16 and '18). Pablo Pelaez was the tournament's Most Outstanding Player last year.
  • The Aztecs have three players tied for a team-high with four points (Pablo Pelaez, Tevenn Roux and Hunter George). This is tied for the third most in the Pac-12.
  • The Aztecs won 3-2 at UNLV on Monday. That was the first time the Aztecs have scored three goals in a match since November 11, 2017. A 4-0 win over UCLA.
  • After being outshot 10-7 in the first half, the Aztecs held a 14-5 advantage in the match's final 52 minutes. SDSU ended up with 21 shots to UNLV's 15.
  • Four players recorded at least two points in SDSU's 3-2 win at UNLV. Freshman Hunter George had four points on two goals, Tevenn Roux had three points with a goal and an assist and Pablo Pelaez dished out two assists. Defenders Dane Rozas and Mac Clarke also recorded assists.
  • Coach Kirshner praised the play of reserves Hunter George, Dane Rozas and Arturo Chavez following the match citing their "game-changing efforts."
  • Three of SDSU's first four matches are at home, but then the Aztecs will be on the road for five straight matches.
  • Pablo Pelaez was named to the Pac-12 Preseason All-Conference Team. The redshirt senior led the Aztecs in points (15) and goals (six) last season and tied for the team lead with three assists.
  • The Aztecs return eight starters from a season ago.
  • SDSU has 11 seniors on their roster after only having four in 2018.
  • The Aztecs have the No. 10 2019 recruiting class in the country according to Top Drawer Soccer. SDSU has nine newcomers (eight freshmen and one transfer).
  • Former Aztec goalkeeper Tally Hall (2003-06) will be inducted into the Aztec Hall of Fame in October. A two-time All-American, Hall led the nation with an 88.9 save percentage and ranked second with a 0.49 goals allowed average in 2005. He also recorded 12 shutouts that season; all are single-season school records. After SDSU, he enjoyed a 10-year professional career, including eight seasons with the Houston Dynamo of MLS and was named a 2011 MLS All-Star.

Opponent Notebook
Belmont
The Bruins are 0-1-1 after the opening weekend… They played Bradley to a 0-0 draw to open the season and then fell 3-1 at Georgia State… The Bruins went 4-12-2  last season and 2-4-1 in the SoCon, their first year in the league.… Belmont was picked to finish fifth in the SoCon preseason coaches' poll… Sophomore Niccolo Dagnoni was named to the preseason all-conference team… Pablo Martin Virgilio scored the Bruins' lone goal… Goalkeeper Nicolo Dini has a goals allowed average of 1.35 and has collected seven saves… David Costa is in his first year as head coach… This is the first ever meeting between Belmont and SDSU.

Detroit Mercy
The Titans are 1-1-0 on the year… They began the season with a 2-0 home win over Niagara and then fell at Clemson 8-0, who is currently No. 19 in the nation… Detroit Mercy went 1-14-3 and 0-6-2 in the Horizon League last season… They return nine starters and 18 letterwinners from a season ago… Head Coach Nicholas Deren is in his 11th season at Detroit Mercy…This will be the first ever meeting between the Aztecs and Titans.