Aztecs Blank UC San Diego 1-0
SAN DIEGO – The Aztec men's soccer team (3-4-2, 0-1-1) shutout UC San Diego (4-3-2) Saturday evening on the SDSU Sports Deck, earning their second straight shutout. The Aztecs outshot the Tritons 15-9 and got the game-winning goal in the 63rd minute when Iñigo Villaldea finished a beautiful assist from Donovan Roux.
"Our number one priority in every game is to earn a clean sheet," Head coach Ryan Hopkins said after the game. "UC San Diego is a really good team and is tough to break down and they caused us some troubles, but we stuck to it and got a great goal and got out of here with a victory."
Freshman goalkeeper Logan Erb had three saves and posted a shutout in his first collegiate appearance.
The Aztecs outshot UCSD 7-2 in the first half but couldn't find the back of the net. The match was tighter in the second frame with the shots being 8-7, but the Aztecs broke through in the 63rd minute. Donovan Roux was dribbling towards the corner with a Triton on his back and then heeled it back between the defender's legs as he spun and then sent a perfect pass to Villaldea who one-timed it past the keeper.
It was just Villaldea's second match of the year after dealing with an injury.
.@donovanroux21 showing no mercy before finding Iñigo Villaldea for the game winner pic.twitter.com/grlsXfud6a
— San Diego State Men's Soccer (@AztecMSoccer) September 25, 2022
"Iñigo brings leadership and a calmness to the midfield, and he just knows how to get into the box and score goals. He made a great late run and there was a bit of magic from Donovan [Roux]."
STAT OF THE GAME
Freshman goalkeeper Logan Erb collected a shutout in his collegiate appearance.
THE NOTE I
The Aztecs haven't allowed a goal in the last five halves.
THE NOTE II
The Aztecs are 9-3-3 in their last 15 non-conference matches.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs host No. 2 Washington Thursday at Snapdragon Stadium. Tickets are available for as low as $10.