The San Diego State women’s soccer team defeated No. 16/17 Kentucky, 2-0, on the road Sunday night to improve to 2-0 on the season. The Wildcats, meanwhile, dropped to 1-1 and suffered just their second home loss since the start of the 2014 campaign (9-2-1).

 

The victory was SDSU’s second straight over a nationally ranked opponent in the regular season and comes one season after it downed 10^th-ranked Michigan at home, 3-0. It was also San Diego State’s first road win over a ranked foe since it beat No. 23 Portland, 3-2, back on Oct. 7, 2012.

 

The Aztecs, who are 2-0 for the first time since 2012 when they finished 21-2-1, dominated the action in the first half and their persistence in the attacking third paid off in the 15^th minute when Leah Pruitt dribbled on the left side and centered a pass to a trailing Angela Mitchell. The sophomore corralled ball, touched it twice and slotted her shot into the lower right-hand corner of the net. The goal was Mitchell’s second of the season and the assist was Pruitt’s second in as many games.

 

As the game continued and the first half was coming to a close, Kentucky began to put heavy pressure on the Aztecs. On four different occasions, however, goalkeeper Melanie Vaughn and the SDSU defense diffused the situation. Vaughn came up with big stops and the defense was able to clear the ball out of harm’s way.

 

When the second half began, the Aztecs wasted no time in doubling their lead. Milan Moses won a 50-50 ball, took off up the middle and punched in her first goal of her San Diego State career.

 

SDSU continued to control the pace after the Moses goal and did not allow the Wildcats any dangerous chances the rest of the way as Vaughn was not forced to make a single save. The San Diego State defense allowed only three non-threatening shots in the final 45 minutes.

 

The Aztecs outshot Kentucky, 11-7, and had a 4-3 edge in shots on goal. San Diego State also enjoyed a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks. Individually, Pruitt led all players with three shots, and she, Mitchell, Moses and Regefalk each had one shot on goal. Vaughn, meanwhile, played the full 90 minutes and made three saves.

 

SDSU has now outscored its two opponents 8-0 in the regular season and in the process downed a Kentucky team that has advanced to the four straight NCAA tournaments, including last year’s Sweet 16 appearance. The Wildcats are now 34-5-4 at home since 2011 with their loss to the Aztecs and suffered their worst defeat since a 3-0 decision to Arkansas on Sept. 27, 2013. Additionally, it was Kentucky’s second home loss by two or more goals since Sept. 27, 2010.

 

San Diego State returns to action next Saturday, Aug. 29, when it heads to California in a rematch of last year’s NCAA first-round game, which the Aztecs fell in double overtime, 3-2. The contest is set for 2 p.m. PT and will air on Pac-12 Bay Area.