By Andrew Hartley (andrewhart1ey) – Spear Reporter
Beau Leroux awaits an incoming pass from the right side | Photo Courtesy SJSU Athletics
In San Jose State men’s soccer’s 2023 season opener under sherbet skies, SJSU men’s soccer tied CSU Bakersfield 1-1.
With only six minutes left in the game and chances looking grim, senior defender Joel Garcia caught CSU Bakersfield flat footed. A pass from sophomore Angel Iniguez generated a Garcia rocket from the right side, tying the game for SJSU.
While it played better, a goal was still surrendered. In the 68th minute, sophomore Nathan Jimenez launched a rocket of a free kick from the left side of the box that streaked past the diving senior David Sweeney.
Sweeney saved the Spartans a few times in the first half including a jumping save over the right post in minute 31. He would finish with five saves and faced 17 shots.
“I always find the opening game of the season a very even game… no one’s lost yet,” said Coach Simon Tobin.
Tobin was showered with applause from the stands at the end of the match for his time served with CSUB. He served as the head soccer coach for 27 seasons and led them to a NCAA Division I tournament selection in 2011.
He also led the Spartans to a conference championship game just a year ago.
The Spartans passed the ball exceptionally in the second half putting the ball into open space generating 10 shots. That’s opposed to only two shots that they generated in the first half.
Five yellow cards were drawn in the first half including a brief shoving match between senior Isaac Lomeli and freshman Luka Geishauser.
The Spartans will look to generate more chances in their next game after being stunted to only three shots on goal and one corner.
SJSU will continue to search for their first win on Saturday when they battle UC San Diego at 7 p.m. in San Diego.