(San Diego, Calif. – Sept. 21, 2023) Utah Tech men's soccer played Thursday evening, falling 3-0 to the No. 21 San Diego State Aztecs. The result moves UT to 3-4 on the season with a game against UC San Diego scheduled for Saturday night to conclude non-conference action.
 
Bryce Backlund made his first start of the 2023 season as San Diego State put the pressure on early, forcing Stockton Short to make his first save of the evening with a shot in the eighth minute. Oliver Stone created the team's best chance of the period in the 41^st minute but his shot up and away from the 'keeper was saved as the game was level at zero at the halftime break.
 
Sami Cuevas and Austin Wallace both found looks early in the second half but neither could find the back of the net as the Aztecs found the game's opening goal less than 15 minutes into the second period of play. After drawing a foul in the box, SDSU converted a penalty to take a 1-0 lead in the 59^th minute.
 
Though Utah Tech would create more chances on goal that forced Aztec saves, San Diego State scored goals in the 78^th and 82^nd minutes to seal a 3-0 result.
 
Stockton Short would make three saves across 90 minutes of play, joining the center back pairing of Julian Herrera and Angel Saldana along with Abigay Gomez as the only Trailblazers to play all 90 minutes. Jimi Villasenor led the team in shots with three as both teams finished with 11 total attempts, though the hosts held a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal. UT would draw 15 fouls and also held an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks taken.
 
Trailblazer men's soccer is back in action Saturday night, facing UC San Diego.