Gerardo Gonzalez (@GerardoG209) – Soccer Beat Reporter
San Jose State men’s soccer (8-4-2, 4-1-1 WAC) defeated Utah Valley (4-7-1, 2-4-0 WAC) 1-0 at home on Sunday afternoon.
The Spartans had a tough challenge ahead of them as the Wolverines pressed and played at a high intensity.
Both teams looked to create chances to score. The flow of the game was disrupted by the challenges provided at midfield. Only four shots and zero saves in total throughout the first half.
Freshman forward Anthony Guzman broke the deadlock to put the Spartans up 1-0 in the first three minutes of the second half.
Sophomore midfielder Beau Leroux was given credit for the assist.
SJSU started to find its rhythm and create more chances to score a goal. Utah Valley did not fall behind as they outshot the home side 11-5.
Senior goalkeeper David Sweeney came in clutch in the last 10 minutes of the game with two spectacular saves to keep the lead in favor of the Spartans.
The game changed in the last five minutes as Utah Valley’s junior forward Ben Ortiz drew his second yellow card of the match and was ejected.
UVU finished the game with 10 men as SJSU controlled the possession of the ball until the final whistle.
Sweeney now has five clean sheets this season.
“I just thought I needed to step up and it’s a testament to all the work we put on the field with Luis Trejo and I’m just happy I was able to get my hands in there to make those saves,” said Sweeney.
SJSU men’s soccer will look to finish strong as they approach the home stretch of the regular season.
“Both teams played great and to be able to come out with a big win is important because we probably have our toughest games in the conference these last three games,” said head coach Simon Tobin.
SJSU men’s soccer will hit the road and face off against Air Force on Friday at 5 p.m.