By Alejandra Vaca — Reporter
For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, fans gathered at the Main Soccer Field in Bakersfield, Calif. representing their team colors on opening night.
San Jose men’s soccer (1-0-0 WAC) had a successful evening as it kicked off its season opener defeating Cal State Bakersfield (0-0-1 WAC) with a 2-1 victory.
SJSU senior midfielder Willy Miranda and senior defender Omar Lemus each scored a goal turning their 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead in the second half.
The Roadrunners disposed of the ball when Spartan senior midfielder Carlos Gomez-Zavala took over making space for himself and set up Miranda to score.
Miranda equalized the score and celebrated by high-fiving his teammates and sending a peace gesture to the camera.
After 66 minutes of playing time, Lemus rose from the shadows and made a counter attack against the Roadrunners.
As he sprinted with the ball across the field, Lemus had a one-on-one with CSUB senior defender Stephon Mercado.
Lemus successfully got around Mercado and went coast to coast, pushing the score 2-1 with eight minutes left of playing time.
SJSU senior goalkeeper David Sweeney was credited with the win after nine challenging shots and making a save.
CSUB captain junior Carlos Armendariz delivered the first goal of 2021 that resulted in a penalty kick after his teammate was taken down.
The Spartans ultimately let the clock tick away after out-shooting the Roadrunners 15-9.
SJSU will return to the pitch next week hosting Sacramento State for their home opener Thursday, Sept. 2 at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
Kick off starts at 7:00 p.m.
Follow Alejandra on Twitter @alejandravacas