LOS ANGELES – The Aztec men's soccer team fell to CSUN 2-1 in their season opener Thursday evening. It was SDSU's first non-conference loss since October of 2019, snapping a streak of nine straight undefeated contests.
"Overall it was a frustrating evening for the team from a results standpoint," Head coach Ryan Hopkins said. "We always knew our team was going to have to learn the rigors of the college game and tonight taught us some valuable lessons in that regard."
The Matadors struck first, finding the back of the net in the 21st minute when Jamar Ricketts finished a Jack Rhead assist from the left wing.
Just 47 seconds later, SDSU responded when Donovan Roux snuck it past the CSUN keeper inside the near post on a CJ Fodrey assist.
The Aztecs held a 6-4 advantage in shots in the first half including a 4-2 edge in shots on goal.
In the 63rd minute, the Matadors took the lead. Jack Rhead fired a shot that Jacob Castro made a diving deflection on, but it bounced right to Jamar Ricketts who found the back of the net.
STAT OF THE MATCH
CSUN outshot SDSU 7-3 in the second half.
THE NOTE I
This was the Aztecs' first non-conference loss since October of 2019.
THE NOTE II
SDSU started five freshmen: Noah Cretier, CJ Fodrey, Isaie Louis, Tristan Viviani and Javi Camargo.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs host LMU for their home opener Sunday evening at 7 p.m.