SAN DIEGO – The San Diego State men’s soccer team opened its final homestand of the regular season in winning fashion by defeating California, 2-1, Thursday night at Montezuma Road. The win evens the Aztecs’ record to 7-7-3 (1-5-2 Pac-12), while the Golden Bears fall to 8-6-2 (2-4-1 Pac-12).

 

SDSU dented the scoreboard first with a goal in the 10^th minute. Senior co-captain Ata Ozbay sent a cross in from the right side and fellow captain Kevin Bick knocked in his fourth goal of the season from five yards out. For Ozbay, the assist was his team-high-tying fifth of the year.

 

The Aztecs had a handful of good chances in the first half, but found themselves just off the mark each time. California, meanwhile, never threatened until the final five minutes of the first half. Tony Salciccia came streaking down the right side, but his shot was stopped after a spectacular diving save by SDSU goalkeeper Tim Peitsch at 39:25.

 

The Golden Bears, however, leveled the score 44 seconds later when the ball was being kicked around  10 yards in front of the net and Omid Jalali blasted a shot that went over Peitsch’s head and rattled the top of the cage. The assist on Jalali’s first goal of 2012 was credited to Ryan Neil.

 

The second half featured more of the same back-and-forth action and the Aztecs received the go-ahead and eventual winner from Wise in the 54^th minute. California was unable to successfully clear the ball and Wise found himself 25 yards out along the left side of the pitch. The midfielder, who has cashed in his fair share of shots from long range this season, did it once again as his shot went off a Golden Bear’s head and past the diving Kevin Peach. For Wise, the goal was his fourth of the year.

 

San Diego State continued to pressure California down the stretch and found itself just off the mark on a handful of occasions. The Golden Bears threatened the tie the score as time ticked off the clock, but the Aztecs thwarted each chance and earned their first conference win of the year.

 

SDSU outshot California, 13-11, for the game, but the Golden Bears finished with a 5-4 edge in shots on goal.  The Aztec defense put forth a solid effort in front of Peitsch, who finished with four saves and picked up his fourth victory of the year.

 

San Diego State concludes its homestand on Saturday when it plays host to Stanford. Prior to the game, the Aztecs will honor their two seniors in Ozbay and three-year letterwinner Jose Altamirano. First tap is slated for 7 p.m. PT at SDSU Sports Deck. Admission is free.

 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kevin Bick is the Man of the Match after his fourth goal of the season set the tone for what would turn into the Aztecs’ first Pac-12 victory of the season. The junior co-captain started and logged 68 minutes, while playing an integral part in SDSU maintaining its offensive pressure up front. Bick finished with two shots and was one of four Aztecs to attempt multiple shots.