SAN DIEGO – San Diego State fell behind early and cut its deficit in half right before intermission, but could not find the equalizer in the second period of 2-1 home loss to Texas Tech. The Aztecs dropped their first game of the season to move to 1-1, while the Red Raiders won for the third time in three tries.
SDSU was shell-shocked 66 seconds into the game after TTU's Charlotte Teeter sent a cross in from the right side only to find Jade King, who tapped in from four yards out. Texas Tech continued to ride the momentum for the next 10-15 minutes, continually pressuring the Aztecs' backline.
After the initial onslaught, San Diego State settled in, but still struggled to find openings on offense. Later, in an attempt to make something happen, the Aztecs had a pass ricochet toward midfield and the Red Raiders were off the races with a numbers advantage. Jayne Lydiatt, who was directing the fast break, fed Kirsten Davis, who scored from 12 yards out to double Texas Tech's advantage in the 35th minute.
Facing a 2-0 deficit and halftime looming, the Aztecs earned a corner kick with Nikolina Musto surveying the landscape. The senior sent a lofting boot toward the top of the box and Lauren Dicus attempted a wicked header that found the upper left corner. The 18-yard goal in the 43rd minute was the first of the freshman defender's career. Musto, meanwhile, recorded her first assist of 2018 and the ninth of her career (4th at SDSU).
The second half was a back-and-forth, physical affair that featured 11 fouls, including eight credited to the visitors. The offense, however, was fairly even with the Red Raiders outshooting SDSU, 4-3, in the final 90 minutes. Unfortunately for the Aztecs, they could not level the score despite the spirited effort.
BIG NOTE
A true freshman has scored the last three goals for San Diego State dating to last season. Then-freshman Mia Root scored in the 2017 NCAA first-round game at UCLA, Taylor Moorehead posted the winner last Friday vs. New Mexico State and Lauren Dicus followed suit vs. Texas Tech.
QUOTE
"I am a little disappointed in the way we came out and just allowed them to really be in control of the game early. I thought we responded well after the first 10 minutes or so to really create some possession and start to gain control of the game. It was unfortunate to give up the second goal. We turned the ball over in a dangerous area, but what a big goal just before half to bring it back to 2-1 and put us back in it. Lauren Dicus was amazing tonight. She grew like crazy and, obviously, to get the goal was big. I was really proud of the team in the second half. Their effort was big-time, they pressed at the right moments, all that stuff we have been working in training they did. It was not our favorite result, but we were happy with the performance, especially in the second half." – SDSU head coach Mike Friesen
UP NEXT
San Diego State will regroup on Saturday before traveling north to face Long Beach State on Sunday night. First tap is set for 6 p.m. PT at George Allen Field. The game will stream live on BigWest.TV.
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