DENVER – San Diego State men's soccer (0-0-1) played the Denver Pioneers (0-0-1), to a 0-0 draw in their 2023 season opener on Thursday night at the University of Denver soccer stadium. The tie extended San Diego State's undefeated nonconference streak to six matches, including a 2-1 win over the No. 6 ranked Pioneers on the SDSU Sports Deck a season ago.
"I'm really proud of the boys for their effort tonight and attention to detail," head coach Ryan Hopkins said. "They never got rattled against a nationally ranked team on the road. Denver threw everything they had at us and I think for long stretches we were very comfortable in securing the point on the road."
Denver, who are receiving votes in United Soccer Coaches Poll, and are ranked 19th in the Top Drawer Soccer national rankings, fired off five shots in the first half and Aztec keeper Djibril Doumbia saved all three Pioneer shots on goal. The Scarlet and Black defense locked down the Pioneers in the second half, blocking two of Denver's four second half shots.
Doumbia played the first 74 minutes in his San Diego State debut before giving way to Logan Erb for the final 16 minutes as SDSU held the Pioneers scoreless to open the season.
Offensively for the Aztecs Beto Apolinar led the way with a pair of shots.
THE NOTE
Seven of SDSU's starters made their Aztec debut.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs host Cal State Bakersfield for their home opener on Monday at 7 p.m. PT.
Aztecs Earn 0-0 Draw at Denver
