Even with a combined eight shots from junior forward Camilo Rojas and freshman midfielder Gustavo Villalobos, the Matadors were unable to attain a win in an exhibition overtime 0-0 draw against San Diego State University on Friday night at Matador Field.
Rojas led the CSUN offense with four shots and had several great scoring opportunities, including one at the end of regulation and one with two minutes to go in overtime, which could have delivered the first CSUN soccer win under the new lights at the Matador Field.
CSUN and San Diego State were both projected to finish fourth in their respective conferences in preseason coaches polls and it showed as both teams were even all the way around. The Aztecs finished with a total of 13 shots, while the Matadors finished with 10.
CSUN started out strong with five shots in the first half including its only shot on goal coming from Villalobos, who finished the game with four shots. The Aztecs however, managed to come back from a slow first half, which the Matadors controlled, and out shot CSUN 10-to-5 in the second half of regulation and two overtime periods.
San Diego State freshman Miles Byass led the way for the Aztecs on offense with four shots and two shots on goal, which contributed to the Aztecs 5-to-1 shots on goal differential against the Matadors.
With many shots taken by San Diego State’s offense after the frist period, CSUN was able to keep the Aztecs off the scoreboard in large part due to a solid performance by UCLA transfer goalie Joe Scachetti, who accumulated five saves during his first game as a Matador.
The Matadors were whistled for 18 infractions during the game while the Aztecs finished with 12. Jeremy Hohn for the Matadors and the Aztecs Jose Altamirano were the only players who received cautions, both finishing the game with yellow cards.
The matchup between the Matadors and San Diego State was a tuneup game before CSUN opens its 2010 regular season at home against the University of San Diego.
CSUN defender Taylor Bowlin and Villalobos both earned a spot in the starting lineup, which should serve as positive news for both players as head coach Terry Davila continues to consider his starting roster for Wednesday’s season opener.
Game Notes:
The scoreless match against the Aztecs was the first CSUN men’s soccer game played under the newly added lights and the first night game at the Matador Field since 2001. Sophomore goalkeeper Michael Abalos started the match for CSUN. Aztec Brad Byrns played the entire match behind the net. Rene Anguiano and Shawin Berenji each contributed a shot for CSUN. The Matadors open the 2010 regular season on Wednesday against the San Diego Toreadors at 7 p.m. at home.
