By Jonathan Guzman — Reporter
It was a hot and humid fall day in Rio Grande Valley, Texas as the Spartans captured their seventh win and fifth WAC victory.
The San Jose State men’s soccer (7-5-2, 5-1-1 WAC) played conference foe the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) (6-6-0, 3-3-0) on Friday.
Every game from here on out will be important for the Spartans to capture a WAC Conference championship after beating Grand Canyon the previous match.
SJSU came out hot with a goal in the 11th minute of the match by senior forward Rudi Castro off an assist by senior midfielder Finlay Wood and senior midfielder Max Allen.
But it would not take long for the Vaqueros to get on the board as they scored just less than three minutes later from a shot by junior defender Jan Engels.
The match stayed 1-1 through the first half.
SJSU outshot UTRGV 11-8 in the first half but UTRGV had more shots on goal 4-3 over SJSU.
Overall, it was an even match as both teams entered the field for the second half of play.
In the 57th minute of the match, senior midfielder Max Allen shot low left to score what would be the game-winner.
But it was not easy sledding for the Spartans. In the second half, the Spartans committed 14 fouls with 1 yellow card awarded to the Vaqueros four fouls.
Junior goalkeeper David Sweeney allowed one goal and had five saves on the day for the Spartans.
SJSU heads to San Antonio, Texas to battle Incarnate Word on Oct. 24 at 9 a.m. PST.
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