Who | Utah Tech (3-3) at San Diego State (5-0-1) / UC San Diego (1-4-2)
When | Thursday, Sept. 21 - 8 p.m. / Saturday, Sept. 23 – 8 p.m.
Where | San Diego, Calif.
Social Media | Instagram + Twitter (X) + #UtahTechBlazers

Scouting the Competition:
The San Diego State Aztecs are 5-0-1, winning each of the last five contests after playing Denver to a scoreless draw in the first game of the 2023 season. The Aztecs most recently played NAIA side Life Pacific, winning at home. The SDSU defense is yet to allow a goal this season while Austin Brummett and Terence Okoeguale lead the charge offensively with four goals apiece. Three goalkeepers have combined to make 13 saves across the team's six games.
 
For UC San Diego, last weekend was a successful one as the Tritons (1-4-2) played Santa Clara to a 2-2 road draw just four days after defeating Air Force on the road for their first victory of the 2023 season. Inaki Iribarren leads the team in scoring with four goals while two different players have split time in net; Nicolas Thiele has made six saves in three appearances while Mitchell Wilson has 17 saves across five appearances.
 
UCSD is set to face No. 22 San Diego on Wednesday before this weekend's game against Utah Tech.
 
Player of the Week
Trailblazer senior Julian Herrera was named the WAC's Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday, his first career recognition from the league. The Las Vegas, Nev., native started both of UT's games this past weekend, playing 167 of 180 possible minutes. He scored his first goal of the season and the third of his career, tying the game with a headed effort off a set piece in the 27th minute against Gonzaga while helping lead a Trailblazer back line that limited Gonzaga to just three shots on target.
 
Currently sitting at third on the team in minutes played this season, Herrera has played a key role on a Utah Tech defense that has allowed just 0.83 goals per game, which is good for the lowest mark in the conference. Herrera is the third Trailblazer to earn recognition from the WAC this season, joining AJ Ciampini and Stockton Short, who were both recognized on Aug. 29.
 
Protecting Home Turf
Utah Tech is coming off a 2-1 home victory over Gonzaga on Sunday. After the Zags broke things open with a goal in the 8th minute, Herrera headed in a Ciampini in-swinger off a set piece to level the game 20 minutes after conceding.  Gonzaga looked to have won it in the 78th minute but the goal was called back due to a foul, and Utah Tech scored a game-winner with less than two minutes remaining to secure the first Trailblazer home victory of 2023.
 
Game-Winner
The aforementioned game winner was scored by the man in form, with freshman Austin Wallace getting in behind the Gonzaga back line off a feed from Bryce Backlund. Wallace, who has scored three goals in his first three appearances at the collegiate level, now leads the team in points (six) while ranking second on the team with five shots (all on goal), and has scored two game-winning goals.
 
The Starting XI
Abigay Gomez made his first start of the 2023 season on Sunday against Gonzaga, playing 63 minutes. With two shots, both of which were on goal, the Las Vegas, Nev., native led the team. After starting six times last season, Gomez is now up to seven starts across 22 career appearances.
 
A Stout Defense
The strength of the 2023 Trailblazer team has been its defense, which currently leads the WAC by a comfortable margin in allowing just five goals in six games this season, good for an average of 0.83 per game. Tied for second in the conference are Grand Canyon and Seattle U, who have allowed nine goals for an average of 1.29 per game.
 
Creating Chances
Utah Tech's offense has taken a significant leap in the 2023 season when compared to 2022. Last season, the Trailblazers averaged 7.4 shots per game and converted those shots into goals at a rate of 6.7%, ultimately leading to an average of 0.5 goals per game. Through six games this year, the team is attempting 15.7 shots per game, converting at a rate of 7.4% while scoring 1.17 goals per game.
 
What's Next:
Utah Tech is set to begin its conference slate next weekend, heading down to face UTRGV on Sunday. Kickoff against the Vaqueros is scheduled for 11 a.m. MT.