WASHINGTON, DC – The San Diego State men’s soccer team (1-1-0) earned their first victory of the 2025 season with a 2-0 win at Howard Sunday. The Aztecs outshot the Bison 20-5 and scored a pair of goals off set pieces late in the second half.
After outshooting Howard 6-2 in the first half, the Aztecs held a 14-3 advantage in the second half with goals coming from Christian Engmann and Juan Zepeda.
“I’m proud of the way we finished off the trip today,” Head coach Ryan Hopkins said after the match. “We probably didn’t have our best stuff today, but if you can keep clean sheets and cash in on set pieces you will win a lot of college soccer games.”
SDSU’s first goal came in the 71st minute off a Lleyton Imparato free kick from the right wing that Christian Engmann headed in.
Seven minutes later, the Aztecs scored off another free kick, this from Josh Lucas on the left wing. He sent the ball into the box and it was deflected by Cianole Nguepissi and then finished by Juan Zepeda.
The Aztecs had nine shots on goal to Howard’s two and outcornered the Bison 9-1.
Goalkeeper Eddy Vargas earned the shutout, collecting two saves on the way.
STAT OF THE MATCH
The Aztecs attempted 20 shots and put nine on frame.
THE NOTE I
Dating back to last season, SDSU is 5-1-1 in their last seven road matches.
THE NOTE II
In their last 25 non-conference matches, the Aztecs are 15-5-5 (.700).
UP NEXT
The Aztecs host Life Pacific for their home opener Thursday at 7 p.m.