By: Gerardo Gonzalez (@GerardoG209) – Spear Reporter
San Jose State men’s soccer (1-1-1, WAC 0-0) took on the University of San Francisco (2-0-1, WCC 0-0) in a rivalry matchup on Thursday afternoon. Both sides went home with a point as the final score was 1-1.
The Spartans struck in the first five minutes of the game for the second time this season. This time is was junior defender Joel Garcia who opened the game off a cross from graduate midfielder Finlay Wood to put the team ahead 1-0. This would be Joel Garcia’s second goal in three games.
This was a game of opportunities, USF had 15 shots with four saves while SJSU had nine shots with two saves. However, both teams struggled to find that last touch in the final thirds of the pitch, and the defenders were smart enough to slow down the opposition with a lot of tactical fouls.
“We had to fight today, it is a tough place to play at USF. One of the toughest places to play on the west coast, on the turf field,” said San Jose State men’s soccer coach Simon Tobin after the game on Twitter.
Until the 50th minute, USF were awarded a free kick just outside the box. Senior midfielder Dominic Valdiva set up the shot and curled it nicely over the wall to tie the game 1-1. This would also mark Valdiva’s second goal in three matches.
Both sides looked to put pressure and create chances as the game went on. Although SJSU came close to scoring in the 90th minute off a corner kick, the game would end 1-1. With this score, USF still remains undefeated. Meanwhile for SJSU, they will have to wait for their next match to try to get back in the win column.
The Spartans’ next matchup will be on the road against Stanford on Sunday at 7 p.m.
