Box Score LA JOLLA, Calif. – The Dixie State men's soccer team suffered its first setback of the young 2014 season on Thursday night at Triton Soccer Stadium, falling to host UC San Diego, 2-1 in non-conference action.
 
After surrendering the first goal of the match to UCSD (2-1) in the 20^th minute, Dixie State (0-1-1) was able to notch the equalizer in the 22^nd minute on Michael Gray (Las Vegas, NV/Bishop Gorman)'s first goal of the year. Jorge Echavarria (Las Vegas, NV) assisted on the goal passing the ball to the top of the box. Gray (Las Vegas, NV) did the rest by finding the net on the right side of the goal.
 
"The team played another great game," head coach Danny Ortiz (Las Vegas, NV/Cimarron) said. "UCSD is the No. 9 team in the country and we played right with them for 90 minutes."

Both teams played scoreless the rest of the opening half and for nearly 30 minutes of the second half. UCSD freshman Zach Lagotta rocketed a shot past Spencer Anderson (Glendale, AZ) to give the Tritons a 2-1 lead.
 
Dixie State had two looks in the 86^th and 87^th minutes respectively. Michael Ropelato (Roy, UT) fired both shots – the first one missed wide right while the second was blocked by the Tritons defense.
 
"Our defense was outstanding and the offense is starting to come together," Ortiz said. "I'm very proud and excited about this group."

The Storm fired 11 shots for the match, led by four from Ropelato. Anderson, the current Pacific West Conference Defender of the Week, made seven saves in goal.
 
Dixie State will look to regroup prior to its next match Saturday against Cal State San Bernardino. The Storm meet the Coyotes at 10 a.m. Pacific.