News Summary
The San Diego State men’s soccer team secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Howard University, improving their season record. Dominating the match with 20 shot attempts and nine corner kicks, the Aztecs showcased exceptional offensive and defensive strategies. Goals by Christian Engmann and Juan Zepeda in the second half highlighted their skill in set pieces. With a strong defensive performance led by goalkeeper Eddy Vargas, SDSU is looking forward to hosting Life Pacific for their home opener as they build momentum for the season ahead.
Washington, D.C. – The San Diego State men’s soccer team achieved their first victory of the 2025 season with a commanding 2-0 win against Howard University on Saturday. The match took place at Howard’s home field in Washington, D.C., marking a significant moment for the Aztecs as they improved their overall record to 1-1-0.
Throughout the match, San Diego State dominated the play, finishing with a total of 20 shot attempts, significantly outpacing Howard’s 5 attempts. The Aztecs showcased their offensive prowess, particularly in the second half, where they held a decisive 14-3 advantage in shot attempts after already leading with 6-2 in the first half. The team’s ability to control the game was reflected not only in their shooting statistics but also in their corner kick tally, capturing 9 corner kicks in contrast to Howard’s solitary 1.
SDSU’s goals came in the second half, both originating from set pieces. In the 71st minute, Christian Engmann netted the first goal following a free kick taken by Lleyton Imparato. Seven minutes later, Juan Zepeda secured the Aztecs’ second goal at the 78th minute, capitalizing on a deflected set play off a free kick executed by Josh Lucas. This strategic execution underscored the preparation and skill of the Aztecs’ offense, enabling them to effectively convert set pieces into scoring opportunities.
San Diego State’s defense, bolstered by goalkeeper Eddy Vargas, claimed a shutout thanks to his two crucial saves during the match. The Aztecs allowed only two shots on target from Howard, displaying a solid defensive strategy throughout the game.
This victory comes as a continuation of SDSU’s successful pattern in road games, as they now boast a record of 5-1-1 over their last seven away matches dating back to the previous season. Additionally, the Aztecs have a strong performance in non-conference competition, holding a 15-5-5 record in their last 25 non-conference matches, showcasing their ability to perform against a variety of opponents.
With this win, the San Diego State Aztecs are now set to host Life Pacific for their home opener on Thursday at 7 p.m. The match presents an opportunity for the team to build momentum following their first victory of the season and to engage with the local supporters as they continue their campaign.
The Aztecs’ performance in this match highlights not only their individual skills and teamwork but also their potential for the remainder of the season. As they look ahead, maintaining focus on their strengths will be crucial in standing out in the competitive landscape of collegiate soccer.
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Additional Resources
- Go Aztecs: Aztecs Win at Howard 2-0
- Wikipedia: San Diego State Aztecs Men’s Soccer
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Local College Report
- Google Search: San Diego State men’s soccer
- The Cavalier Daily: No. 17 Men’s Soccer Dispatches San Diego State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Virginia Sports: Men’s Soccer vs. San Diego State Photo Gallery
- Google News: San Diego State soccer
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego 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 Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
