Gerardo Gonzalez (@GerardoG209) – Soccer Beat Reporter
San Jose State men’s soccer (8-4-3, 4-1-2 WAC) tied on the road against Air Force (7-4-3, 6-0-1 WAC) 1-1 on Friday night.
On a cold dry night in Colorado, the Spartans played at a high intensity throughout the first half. They pressured and passed the ball around with efficiency.
After a series of nine passes, SJSU managed to find junior defender Joel Garcia in the 19th minute of the game as he scored to put the team ahead 1-0. He is second on the team in goals scored with five.
Air Force, managed to get control of the game shortly after, outshooting SJSU 12-4.
Senior goalkeeper David Sweeney managed to save his team as he recorded four saves to keep the game in favor for the Spartans.
Throughout the second half, the Falcons kept the pressure on the Spartans, eager to find an equalizer with their unbeaten streak in jeopardy.
In the final minutes of the game, Air Force managed to get a corner kick. Senior midfielder Jake Angeletti curled the corner shot and senior defender Tyler Johnson jumped over his marker to head it in towards the goal.
After finishing in a tie, Air Force managed to keep its unbeaten streak alive and first place of the WAC secure.
“To come to Air Force, very top of the conference and come away with a tie is a very good result … but It is a bit disappointing to not get the three points at the end to a very good team,” said SJSU head coach Simon Tobin.
The Spartans are currently in second place in the WAC.
They have clinched a spot in the WAC Championship tournament, making it back into the dance for six seasons in a row.
San José State men’s soccer will travel to Arizona as it takes on Grand Canyon University on Sunday at 1 p.m.