CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The San Diego State men’s soccer team lost at No. 17 Virginia 2-0 in their season opener Thursday evening. Virginia scored one goal in each half, finding the back of the net in the 21st and 82nd minute.
The Cavaliers got on the board in the 21st minute when Albin Gashi scored on a combination from Nicholas Simmonds and Marco Dos Santos.
Virginia held a 7-1 shot advantage in the first half, but their only shot on frame was their goal.
SDSU caught a tough break in the 50th minute when center back Baptiste Boit was whistled for a yellow card, but after an officials’ review it was elevated to a red card, forcing the Aztecs to play a man down for the final 40 minutes.
The Aztecs had their best opportunity in the 63rd minute on an Israel Carrillo free kick from 25 yards out where the UVA keeper made a diving save inside the near post.
SDSU goalkeeper Eddy Vargas made an incredible quick reflex save in the 70th minute to keep it a one-score match.
Virginia scored an insurance goal in the 82nd minute when Jesus de Vincente finished a service from Luke Burns.
Vargas finished the match with five saves.
STAT OF THE MATCH
The Aztecs played the final 40 minutes of the match with 10 players.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs continue their East Coast road trip with a match at Howard Sunday at 9 a.m. PT.