SAN DIEGO – No. 24 San Diego State dominated every facet of the game, but was unlucky at times in a 3-1 season-opening defeat to visiting Michigan State. SDSU falls to 0-1, while the Spartans leave America’s Finest City with a 1-0 record.

The Aztecs controlled the pace of the game and the stats reflect it. The Scarlet and Black outshot MSU by an incredible 32-10 margin and enjoyed a 14-3 edge in shots on goal. San Diego State also attempted three corner kicks in each half, while limiting the Spartans to four, including just one in the second half.

Michigan State, however, took advantage of the few chances it had started with a penalty kick in the 11^th minute. After being taken down from behind the box, Mary Kathryn Fiebernitz lined up her and shot and squeezed it past the diving Melanie Vaughn.

Later in the 29^th minute, a ball was sent in from the right side of the pitch in Spartan territory. Allyson Krause, who was 15 yards out, took the high pass and lofted it to the newly inserted Rachel Van Poppelin. The Aztecs were unable to clear the ball and the forward softly slotted her shot past the oncoming Vaughn.

After halftime, San Diego State turned up the heat and nearly found the back of the net on numerous occasions. Kelsey Booth went just right, Haley Locker missed just high, Ashley Hauke hit the bottom of the crossbar, Hannah Keane was high with her attempt, Victoria Barba made MSU goalkeeper Courtney Clem make a leaping save; this was the story of the second half. SDSU pressured the Spartans offensively and peppered Clem regularly, but each time came up empty.

Michigan State created a little more separation in the 70^th minute when Jamie Cheslik got past the SDSU defense and cashed in on the opportunity from 15 yards out. Despite the three-goal deficit, the Aztecs continued to press forward and experienced more bad luck as each of their attempts were either off the mark or stopped after a strong effort from Clem.

In the 89^th minute, however, San Diego State was finally rewarded for its pressing style as Barba earned a penalty kick after being tackled in the box. The junior, who scored three goals a season ago, calmly netted her first of the season, but it was ultimately not enough before a crowd of 831 fans.

Barba shared the team lead with Keane, who was routinely blanketed by Spartan defenders, as both attempted six shots apiece. Barba put five on goal, while two of Keane’s were denied by Clem. Mariah Helmer attempted the third-most shots of the game with four. Vaughn made three stops in net.

San Diego State continues its four-game homestand on Sunday when it plays host to UC Davis. First tap is set for noon PT at SDSU Sports Deck and admission is free.

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