LA JOLLA, Calif. - The UC San Diego men's soccer team began its California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) schedule with a 1-0 win over San Francisco State Friday at Triton Soccer Field.

With the victory, UCSD improved to 2-1, while SFSU remained winless at 0-3.

Adam Zernik connected in the 83rd minute to give the Tritons the game-deciding goal. The ground ball to the right corner was taken as a free kick after the Gators had been called for a hand ball. The shot was Zernik's only attempt of the night.

"It was really exciting to get this win," said head coach Jon Pascale. "The guys pulled together to get that late goal and we hope to keep the momentum going Sunday".

The first half of the game was played with tight defensive coverage by each team. With the majority of the play funneling directly to the goalkeeper's, UC San Diego's Josh Cohen grabbed three of his four saves of the night in the first half.

San Francisco State came out aggressively in the second half, attacking the Tritons' goal in quick back-to-back attempts. The first was a header just high by Jose Monje and the second was a shot by Jared Magaoay that was saved by Cohen. SFSU pushed the ball deep into Triton territory several more times but was unable to put anything in the back of the net.

The Gators ended up out-shooting the Tritons, 13-8, for the match.

UC San Diego continues conference play this Sunday, Sept. 9 at Triton Soccer Field when it hosts Cal Poly Pomona. Game time is slated for noon.

-- UCSDtritons.com --