LOS ANGELES – The Aztec men's soccer team (6-3-2, 2-3-0) lost 1-0 in extra time at UCLA (7-4-0, 3-2-0) Friday evening.
The Bruins outshot SDSU 16-6 and finished the match by outshooting the Aztecs 10-0 in the final 28 minutes. SDSU goalkeeper Jacob Castro made a pair of incredible saves in extra time to prolong the match, but UCLA eventually found the back of the net in the 98th minute.
"The lessons in the Pac-12 are unfortunately very harsh and we are a couple plays in overtime away from being 4-1," Head coach Ryan Hopkins. "However, we are still in a good spot in a tight league race and the RPI. There is still a lot to play for and the belief in the group hasn't wavered one bit. I look forward to continuing to grow together."
The Aztecs' best opportunity came early in the night when Iñigo Villaldea saw Tevenn Roux's shot saved right to his feet in the middle of the box, but his attempt went wide right.
In the 39th minute, UCLA had a great lead pass get past the SDSU backline, but Jacob Castro charged the ball and made a kick save near the top of the box.
Both teams had three shots and one corner at halftime and SDSU continued to play UCLA tight for the first 20 minutes of the second half, but then the Bruins started to control the tempo and create dangerous opportunities. Six of UCLA's eight shots on goal came in the second half and extra time.
In the 94th minute, UCLA had a free kick on the left wing that found Pietro Grassi's head but Castro made an amazing quick twitch save.
Two minutes later, Castro extended the game again when he dove to his right to stop Jose Contell's shot from six yards out.
Just a minute later, UCLA was able to get it past Castro when Tucker Lepley finished an assist from Riley Ferch inside the far post.
Castro (6-3-2) faced 16 shots and collected five saves.
STAT OF THE MATCH
UCLA attempted the last 10 shots of the match.
THE NOTE I
This was SDSU's fifth time going to extra time this season, the most matches they've had go to extra time since 2016 when they went to extra time 10 times in their 19 matches.
THE NOTE II
This was the 10th time in SDSU's 11 matches where they held their opponent scoreless in the first half.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs will return to San Diego for their final non-conference match of the year when they play at the University of San Diego next Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Aztecs Fall 1-0 in Extra Time at UCLA
