#2 San Diego State Defeats #3 Utah, 2-1 (2OT), in Semifinals of MWC Tournament

The Aztecs advance to the finals for the first time since 2004

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Nov. 5, 2009

PROVO, Utah -

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After two overtime periods, #2 San Diego State (13-4-5) defeated #3 Utah (12-4-5), 2-1, to advance to the final round of the Mountain West Conference Tournament. The Aztecs will face the winner of the #1 BYU vs. #4 New Mexico game at 3 p.m. MT. The game will be televised live on The Mtn.

"The girls really pushed hard, and left everything on the field," said San Diego State head coach Mike Friesen. "This was a great team effort with a great finish. I couldn't be more proud of our team right now. We look forward to playing in the finals against the winner of the BYU vs. New Mexico game."

The teams battled back-and-forth for most of the first half. Both teams had four shots on goal and Utah took two corner kicks, while the Aztecs had one. The first half proved to be a physical bout, as Utah committed seven fouls, compared to San Diego State's eight.

The second half started at a much quicker pace. Just four minutes into the second period, Utah's Erin Dalley dribbled through two Aztec defenders, and took a shot on goal. The shot nicked the side of the goal post and found the back of the net. It marked Dalley's ninth goal of the season. With a little over seven minutes left in the half, San Diego State fired back with a goal of its own from the MWC Offensive Player of the Year, Cat Walker. Teammate Niki Fernandes was credited with the assist to tie the game at 1-1.

With the clock winding down in regulation, San Diego State made one more offensive push but Utah's defense held them off and sent the game into overtime. The last time these two teams met resulted in a double-overtime tie (1-1 2OT). With 2:15 left in the second overtime, San Diego State's Fernandes crossed the ball to an open Sarah Halverson, who placed the ball past the Utah goalkeeper for the win. With the victory, the Aztecs advance to the finals of the MWC Tournament for the first time since 2004.