SAN DIEGO – The Aztec men's soccer team (0-2-0) fell to Loyola Marymount (2-0-0) 2-1 in their home opener Sunday evening. The Lions netted two goals in the final 10 minutes to escape the Mesa with a win.
"This was a painful way to lose," Head coach Ryan Hopkins said after the match. "We controlled the game for long stretches, but credit to LMU who kept fighting. We had four freshmen starting and they must learn the painful lessons of college soccer."
The Aztecs scored with 68 seconds remaining in the first half on Rommee Jaridly's first career collegiate goal. Joe Daluz dribbled down the left wing to draw in the defense before finding freshman Javi Camargo unmarked in the box. Camargo misfired off the crossbar, but the ball bounced right to Jardily, who put it away.
In the 79th minute, the Aztecs nearly went up 2-0 when So Nishikawa found CJ Fodrey's head on a corner, but the Lions' goalkeeper was able to tip the ball up and over the crossbar just in time.
Before the final 10 minutes, the Lions had only managed two shots on goal. Their equalizer came in the 81st minute when Braden Fidelak headed in a Steven Anderson free kick from 25 yards out.
In the 87th minute, LMU's Adam Davie finished a Stefan Reuter assist to take the lead.
STAT OF THE MATCH
Both teams had eight shots while the Lions had a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal.
QUOTE OF THE MATCH
"Momentum shifted in the final 10 minutes, and we committed silly fouls to give them free box entries into dangerous areas." Head coach Ryan Hopkins
UP NEXT
The Aztecs head to Omaha, Nebraska next weekend where they face Omaha Friday and Creighton Monday.
Aztecs Dropped by LMU 2-1
