AZUSA, Calif. - UC San Diego and Azusa Pacific traded first-half penalty-kick goals and played to a 1-1 stalemate through two overtimes in a non-conference men's soccer match at the Cougar Soccer Complex on Thursday night.

With the tie, UCSD moved to 1-1-2 on the young season. Azusa Pacific, the reigning Pacific West Conference (PacWest) champion and preseason favorite, is left still searching for its first win, now at 0-2-1. The Cougars had allowed nine goals in dropping their first two contests of 2015, both also at home, to two of the Tritons' California Collegiate Athletic Association rivals.

The sides played extra soccer for the second year in a row, with APU having won 1-0 in double overtime in La Jolla last Sept. 20.

The Tritons scored first when Uly de la Cal converted his spot kick in the eighth minute after an APU infringement in the penalty area. It was the sophomore striker's first goal of 2015 and second of his college career.

"They were all over us right from kickoff," said UCSD head coach Jon Pascale. "Cam (Cameron McElfresh) made a point-blank save in the first couple minutes, and we weathered the storm. Justice (Duerksen) got pulled down in the box a few minutes later, and Uly buried the (penalty kick)."

The home side answered in the 21st minute when Keenan Armbrust registered his second of the season from the penalty spot. It was also Armbrust's second in as many matches against the Tritons, as the senior produced the 102nd-minute decider last year.

Triton junior Riley Harbour's header in the 33rd that glanced off the post was arguably the closest either team got to breaking the deadlock the rest of the way.

McElfresh made four saves in goal for UCSD. Tyler Jaramillo had three stops in the APU net.

"It wasn't a bad result," added Pascale. "They were a good team, and we played really well. They are a team that likes to have the ball, pass and move. We seem to do well against that type of team, and I think we were able to frustrate them.

"We played a number of guys and had more chances (to score). Nothing unbelievable, but some good moments. Overall, a good group effort, on the road in pretty tough conditions. I feel like we're getting better."

Freshman Brandon Monteiro Magpayo drew his first collegiate start as de la Cal's partner up front, in the injury absence of junior Sam Palano. Junior center back Brett Sampiere was also unavailable.

APU maintains a narrow 11-10-2 edge in the all-time series. UCSD had won 3-0 the last time the teams met in Azusa, in its 2003 season opener.

UCSD concludes a difficult stretch of three games in five days this Saturday, traveling up to Riverside to take on another capable PacWest opponent in California Baptist. Kickoff at Lancer Soccer Field is slated for 4:30 p.m., with the Triton women leading off against CBU at 1 p.m.

#TritonsRising

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