News Summary
The San Diego State men’s soccer team achieved a 1-0 victory against Cal State Fullerton, concluding their non-conference schedule with a record of 4-6-0. Juan Zepeda’s goal in the 17th minute secured the win, while goalkeeper Eddy Vargas made 11 crucial saves to maintain a clean sheet. Despite dominating the game with 36 shots and 65% possession, Fullerton was unable to capitalize on their chances. The match highlighted SDSU’s resilience, as they prepared for upcoming WAC play amidst injury challenges.
San Diego, CA – The San Diego State men’s soccer team clinched a narrow victory against Cal State Fullerton with a 1-0 shutout on Saturday evening. The win concluded SDSU’s non-conference schedule and improved their overall record to 4-6-0 for the season.
Juan Zepeda was the hero of the match, scoring the only goal in the 17th minute, providing the Aztecs with the lead they needed to secure the win. Goalkeeper Eddy Vargas played a pivotal role, achieving a career-high 11 saves and maintaining a clean sheet throughout the game.
In contrast, Cal State Fullerton, despite controlling 65% possession and recording a total of 36 shots, could not find the back of the net. The Titans had 11 shots on goal, with 17 shots taken in the first half and 19 in the second. The team’s frustration was compounded when a goal was disallowed after an official’s review in the 29th minute.
Cal State Fullerton, whose non-conference record now stands at 3-3-4, had been showing strong form leading into this match with a 2-0-1 record in their previous three fixtures. Head coach George Kuntz expressed disappointment over the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite their dominance in play.
On the other hand, head coach Ryan Hopkins of the Aztecs praised his team’s resilience and their ability to execute under pressure, particularly as they were missing six starting players due to injury. The win marks a significant moment for SDSU, with the team having improved to 13-1-2 since the beginning of the 2024 season when they score first in matches.
Additionally, SDSU maintained impressive statistics throughout the match. The Aztecs averaged 6.22 corner kicks per match, which led the WAC and ranked them 31st nationally before this game. In terms of shots per match, SDSU stood second in the WAC, averaging 14.67 shots, and they have outshot their opponents 132-100 for the season thus far. Notably, six of the eight goals scored by the Aztecs this season have come from defenders.
This game also reflected a broader trend for SDSU, marking only the second time in 12 years that they have ended their non-conference schedule with a losing record. Previous matches against Cal State Fullerton showed a tight competition, with the last encounter occurring 15 years ago, and SDSU now holds an all-time record of 15-17-2 against the Titans. The Aztecs had three players named to the preseason All-WAC Team, including the Defender of the Year, Cianole Nguepissi.
The Aztecs will look to build on this success as they prepare to start WAC play next Saturday against Air Force. The resilience exhibited in overcoming injuries and challenging match conditions will be crucial as SDSU enters this new phase of their season.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego State Aztecs
- Cal State Fullerton Titans
- Daily Titan
- Google Search: San Diego State Men’s Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Men’s Soccer
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
