Gerardo Gonzalez (@GerardoG209) – Soccer Beat Reporter
San Jose State men’s soccer (7-4-2, 3-1-1 WAC) lost on Friday night 1-0 to California Baptist (6-5-2, 2-2-1 WAC) in what was a tragic day overall for the Spartans.
The news of the passing of 18-year-old SJSU freshman running back Camdan McWright early Friday morning shocked the San Jose State community.
Before the game started, there was a moment of silence held as all SJSU players wore a black armband in memory of its fellow peer.
The match started with high intensity out the gate but California Baptist created more clear opportunities as it had seven shots against just two for SJSU.
Within the first 28 minutes of the game, there were four yellow cards given in total. This kept some players on high alert and raised the physicality level between both teams.
Senior goalkeeper David Sweeney had a busy first half as he had two magnificent saves that kept the match scoreless and the Spartans alive.
However, in the 32nd minute sophomore defender David Cordes struck his head on to the ball from an easy corner kick to put Cal Baptist ahead 1-0.
The only corner kick for the visiting team in the first half was enough for them to go into halftime leading the game.
The Spartans made some changes in the lineup and both teams started the last 45 minutes with high pressure on the net. SJSU created more chances than it did in the first half with six shots on goal.
However, the Lancers did not let up and came to San Jose to give the Spartans a challenge.
In the last five minutes of the game, sophomore midfielder Beau Leroux missed a clear opportunity inside the box to tie the game as the shot skinned the right post. The home bench stood up with their hands on their heads in disbelief as the referee blew his final whistle minutes later.
This is the first loss in conference for SJSU, snapping its four-game winning streak.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted but as everyone knows we are in a slightly different place tonight. Our hearts and thoughts go out to Camden’s family, the football players and staff. It’s been a tough day for everyone in San Jose State … that’s all I would like to say tonight,” said head coach Simon Tobin.
San Jose State men’s soccer will play host to Utah Valley on Sunday at 1 p.m.