By Nick Romeo — Content Editor
On a sunny and mild 65-degree day in San Jose, the Spartans and Cardinals played a heated thriller that went to overtime.
The San Jose State Spartans (4-1-2) defeated the Incarnate Word Cardinals (2-6) for their first home win of the season on an overtime goal by Danny Sanchez. Here are three takeaways from the match as San Jose State has now won three straight.
Spartans in control
Despite the close score, the Spartans owned time of possession for most of the match. They grossly outshot the Cardinals 17-5, and they dominated shots on goal 8-3.
San Jose State fired six shots on goal in the second half, but goaltender Charles Beck for Incarnate Word was up to the task. His six saves forced overtime, but the San Jose State offensive pressure was overwhelming.
The Spartans needed just 55 seconds of overtime to put the Cardinals away for good. Rudy Castro made an incredible pass to Sanchez for the game winner. Castro leads the team in assists with 10 and points with 14.
Physical from start to finish
There were eight yellow cards and one red card given in a chippy match between the Incarnate Word and San Jose State.
In an odd sequence of events, it appeared as though the officials attempted to get Castro and Perez to reconcile after an incident in the 13th minute led to some trash talk. However, both were given yellow cards as the chirping persisted despite the referee’s efforts to calm the situation.
Victor Velasco for the Cardinals was given a red card after throwing the ball in frustration at a Spartan player waiting to attempt a free kick.
The only period without a yellow or red card given was overtime, which lasted just 55 seconds.
Home field advantage
This was just the third home game for San Jose State, so it’s not as though the team has struggled at home. Nevertheless, finding the win column to start a three game homestand has to feel good for the Spartans.
San Jose State has avoided the loss column since losing the home opener against Grand Canyon University on Feb. 27.
They have a tough matchup next against UNLV Monday at 7 p.m.
Follow Nick on Twitter @nromeo12
