SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Diego State men’s soccer team (2-4-3) lost at Santa Clara (3-5-0) 2-1 Sunday evening. The Aztecs struck first with a goal in the 52nd minute before Santa Clara scored goals in the 57th and 79th minute to earn the win.
“A tough loss tonight where we didn’t play mature enough to close out the game,” Head coach Ryan Hopkins said after the match.
Despite being outshot 11-3 in the first half, the Aztecs were the first to score. In the 52nd minute Max Mair sent a cross into the box that was headed by Nik Orth to Max’s brother Dylan Mair who slipped the ball past the keeper to give the freshman his first career goal.
Just over five minutes later the Broncos scored the equalizer on a Diego Jalleau goal.
In the 79th minute, Santa Clara took the lead when Will Wiersforf finished an assist from Jalleau and Moises Almonte.
The Aztecs nearly tied the match at 2-2 in the 88th minute following a corner when they caught the Bronco goalkeeper out of position, but a defender was able to block the shot with his body to prevent the goal.
SDSU goalkeeper Nic Diana registered five saves.
STAT OF THE MATCH
The Aztecs allowed 11 shots in each half.
THE NOTE
Cedric Ngounou and Lucas Caffo made their first starts of the season.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs host Cal State Fullerton Saturday at 7 p.m.