SAN DIEGO – The Aztec men’s soccer team (2-2-0) fell to Vermont (1-1-1) 1-0 on the SDSU Sports Deck Monday evening. The loss was SDSU’s first defeat in a non-conference home match in over two years.
The Catamounts scored in the 41st minute, but then SDSU outshot Vermont 8-4 in the second half.
“We got humbled in the first half,” Head coach Ryan Hopkins said after the match. "Vermont has been in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight the last two years and they showed why. I thought we played better in the second half, but it wasn’t enough. We have to figure out how to win these big games to get over the hump.”
SDSU held the Catamounts without a shot in the first 20 minutes, but then Vermont started to find its footing and totaled nine shots in the next 25 minutes, including their lone goal in the 41st minute Maximilian Kissel scored on a counterattack.
The Aztecs’ best opportunity came in the 64th minute when Austin Brummett nearly headed in a cross from Rommee Jaridly.
SDSU goalkeeper Eddy Vargas, who spent the last five years at Vermont, collected a season-high five saves.
STAT OF THE GAME
In the second half, SDSU outshot Vermont 8-4 and held a 3-0 advantage in corner kicks.
THE NOTE
Defenders André Puente and Cianole Nguepissi made their SDSU debut, both earning the start.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs host Sacramento State Friday at 7 p.m.