COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The San Diego State men’s soccer team (3-2-1) played Maryland (2-1-3) to a 1-1 draw on the road Monday evening.
The Aztecs didn’t attempt a shot in the match’s final 55 minutes but neutralized the Terrapin attack with stout defense that included a highlight reel second half save from goalkeeper Eddy Vargas.
"I'm proud of the way we battled and prepared on this cross country trip, Head coach Ryan Hopkins said after the match. "To play a program with four national championship banners to a draw shows the growth of our program and the potential for more. We need to continue to grow each week and find ways to finish each play to secure all three points next time out."
The Aztecs were the first to score, striking in the 15th minute on an Austin Brummett goal, his team-high third of the season. Brummett headed in a cross from Rommee Jaridly that was set up by Cianole Nguepissi.
In the 22nd minute, the Terrapins nearly tied it up, but defender Reid Fisher was in the right place at the right time and headed away a shot that was destined for the back of the net.
However, just a minute later Maryland scored the equalizer on a one-time volley by Colin Griffith to finish a Brian St. Martin cross.
In the 61st minute, Aztec goalkeeper Eddy Vargas made an outstanding save, knocking away a Terrapin shot in the upper corner with a dive to his right. Vargas was forced to leave the game with an injury 10 minutes later. Djibril Doumbia finished the game with 20 scoreless minutes.
In the 80th minute, it appeared Robbie Matei had netted the game-winner, but the official called the Aztecs for offsides and then it was upheld after video review.
STAT OF THE MATCH
The game featured 32 fouls and 11 yellow cards.
THE NOTE
This was SDSU’s first match in the Eastern time zone since 2019.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs play at Oregon State, their old Pac-12 foe, Sunday at 2 p.m.