SAN DIEGO – The San Diego State men’s soccer team (2-1-0) beat Life Pacific (0-2-0) 4-0 in their home opener Thursday evening.
The Aztecs, who outshot the Warriors 34-5, were held scoreless in the first half, exploded for four goals in the second half with two coming from Israel Carrillo Peréz.
“It probably wasn’t our sharpest execution tonight,” Head coach Ryan Hopkins said after the match. “But we had some really good attacking actions and made some adjustments at halftime to find a way to break through.”
Before SDSU finally found the back of the net in the 59th minute, they had attempted 22 straight shots without the Warriors attempting one.
The Aztecs’ first goal came off a set piece where Lleyton Imparato’s free kick found Christian Engmann, who scored his second goal in as many matches.
Imparato was involved in the second goal as well. His service into the box was misplayed by a Warrior defender and headed in for an own goal.
In the 75th minute, Carrillo Peréz netted his first career goal on a free kick from about 22 yards out then snuck in the upper left corner.
Carrillo Peréz scored again in the 81st minute when he put away a Carson Ballagh free kick from the left wing.
“Izzy has really stepped up for us,” Hopkins explained. “He can play a lot of different positions, and he keeps telling me that he can hit free kicks, so we finally let him take one, and I guess he was right. I’m really happy with his performance tonight.”
Three SDSU goalkeepers combined for the shutout, led by Eddy Vargas who played for the first 68 minutes. Vincent Fournier (12 minutes) and Trevor Wilson (10 minutes) made their SDSU debuts as well.
STAT OF THE MATCH
The Aztecs held a 12-1 advantage in shots on goal and 16-3 in corner kicks.
THE NOTE
The Aztecs improved to 19-2-2 (.870) in non-conference home matches under head coach Ryan Hopkins (6th season).
UP NEXT
The Aztecs host San Diego Monday at 5 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium. The Toreros won at No. 21 Denver 3-2 Thursday evening.