SAN DIEGO – The Aztec men’s soccer team (1-1-0) suffered their first loss of the 2024 season Monday evening after falling to San Diego (1-0-1) 3-0 at Torero Stadium. The loss snaps a streak of 14 straight non-conference matches without a loss.
“It was a tough night, but our guys continued to fight and showed resiliency,” Head coach Ryan Hopkins said after the match. “Goals change games in our sport and unfortunately, we gave up some in bad moments. We must move on quickly and be ready to go Thursday.”
SDSU outshot the Toreros 10-8, but USD was able to take advantage of a couple Aztec defensive miscues to secure the three points. The Toreros were receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason poll and played No. 20 Duke to a draw Thursday night.
The Toreros scored their first goal in the 13th minute on a penalty kick. Goalkeeper Djibril Doumbia charged a 50-50 ball at the edge of the box and clipped the foot of a Torero which resulted in a penalty kick that USD converted.
USD extended their lead in the 32th minute when Luca Fava scored from outside the box on the left wing, keeping the ball up and over Doumbia’s outstretched hands and into the upper corner of the far side.
The Toreros scored their third goal in the 60th minute when Cesar Bahena caught Eddy Vargas, who entered the game at the half, too far up the field and scored from about 40 yards out, looping it over Vargas.
The Aztecs put pressure on the Toreros in the second half, outshooting them 9-3, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
THE NOTE
The loss snapped a stretch of 14 straight non-conference matches (11-0-3) without a loss.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs return to the SDSU Sports Deck to host Mercyhurst Thursday at 7 p.m.