Diaz's Gamewinner Sends CSUN Past SDSU 2-1

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Freshman David Diaz scored the game winning goal in the 65th minute as CSUN defeated San Diego State in the 2022 men's soccer opener for both clubs Thursday night at Matador Soccer Field.

The Matadors got on the board at the 20:55 mark. Jack Rhead took the ball away from an Aztec defender, took three dribbles, and found Jamar Ricketts who scored from the right side. San Diego State tied the match 46 seconds later when CJ Fodry forced a turnover. He sent a pass to Donovan Roux who scored.

The teams traded shots early in the second before Ricketts attacked the SDSU goal. His shot was saved by Jacob Castro. The rebound came back out in front where Diaz put it away for the advantage. Fodrey had a pair of attempts that went high and wide right in the 77th and 78th minute to threaten for the Aztecs.

Marley Edwards and Arturo Reveles both had attempts turned away in the final 10 minutes. Elias Kastaros was red carded in the 85th minute to put SDSU down a man which hampered San Diego State's efforts in the final four minutes as CSUN went on to the victory.

THE STATS
CSUN outshot SDSU 11-9 as both teams took four shots on goal. Diaz took a game-high three shots. The Aztecs held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks. Both teams were called for nine fouls. The Matadors were booked for three yellow cards. In addition to Katsaros' red card, SDSU was whistled for two yellow cards.

Cooper Wenzel got the win, making three saves for the Matadors. Castro, a 2021 first-team All-Pac 12 selection, took the loss as he made two saves in goal. SDSU held possession 56% of the time, compared to 44% for CSUN.

ACCORDING TO HEAD COACH TERRY DAVILA
"The first two goals were on turnovers by both teams in bad areas which is typical of early season football. We capitalized as did San Diego State. It was an even game all around and we were able to get the ball to bounce our way late in the game and we got the result, and we are very happy about it."

"COVID knocked us on our heels for a little, the Big West is recovering and hopefully we are one of the teams that are recovering, and hopefully we are one of the teams that can go to the next level, and hopefully we can continue to improve every day."

NOTES
CSUN defeated SDSU for the first time since Sept. 27, 2002, in double overtime in Northridge. The Matadors lead the all-time series against the Aztecs 13-9-1. The loss was the first in non-conference play for San Diego State since 2019 (10 matches). Thursday marked the first time since 2017 that CSUN opened the season at home when the Matadors defeated Siena 2-1 in overtime.

~#UniteTheValley~

Diaz's Gamewinner Sends CSUN Past SDSU 2-1

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Team Stats

Jamar Ricketts

David Diaz

Jack Rhead

Levin Gerhardt