By Clark Hwang (@ClarkHwang25) – Spear Reporter
Spartans huddle up for the next half | Photo by Nicholas Orozco
Despite losing to UT Rio Grande Valley 3-2, the SJSU men’s soccer clinched a place in the WAC Tournament for the seventh consecutive season.
SJSU’s current overall record is 6-7-4, and a conference record of 3-4-1. UTRGV’s current overall record is 5-9-1, and a conference record of 2-5-1.
After a tough season, the Spartans look to make a run at the WAC Tournament.
SJSU trailed in the first half, as UTRGV took an early lead. UTRGV graduate student forward Bryant Farkarlun managed to slot one past SJSU fifth year goalkeeper David Sweeney, putting UTRGV up 2-0 at the 51st minute.
In the second half, SJSU sophomore midfielder Angel Iniguez netted two goals, one assisted by junior midfielder Sebastian Ruiz-Hurst at the 74th minute and another at the 75th minute. However, UTRGV sophomore forward Kgodiso Sukati scored from a penalty due to SJSU sophomore forward Riccardo Scarafia’s foul, taking the score to 3-1.
With two shots by SJSU freshman midfielder Gilberto Rivera and one shot from graduate student forward Jamal Adam going off target, and one shot from UTRGV sophomore defender Juan Pablo Gonzalez and one shot from junior midfielder Josue Camacho also going off target. Both teams totaling five blocked shots and 22 fouls, which lead to free kicks.
The Spartans got their offense started with starting players like Iniguez, who proved crucial for the team’s attack.
UTRGV frequently rotated their lineup, with standout substitutions like Sukati making a significant impact.
In the game’s dying moments, Adam had a chance to equalize, but his shot went high, sealing the victory for UTRGV.
Despite losing 3-2, the SJSU men’s soccer team will play in the WAC Tournament in Las Vegas on November 5th.