Carlos Jimenez (@carlosjimmenezz):
Following a 3-2 victory against UC Davis, the Spartans (1-2-0) suffered their second loss of the season today in a 2-0 defeat to Sacramento State (1-2-0).
The Hornets were aggressive to start each half and it proved successful as their first goal came in the 2nd minute of the match and their second goal came in the 3rd minute of the second frame.
“We talked about not giving away a free kick early on and we gave away a free kick and a goal,” said head coach Simon Tobin.
The second goal was scored from a mistake from goalkeeper Chris Donaldson as the ball slipped from his hands.
“Silly mistake from the goalkeeper” Tobin said
The 2-0 deficit proved to be too much for SJSU according to coach Tobin, “too young and naive to come back from this.”
It didn’t help that SJSU had one of their players sent off in the 80th minute — ending any hopes of a late comeback.
“We were not calm, rushed too much and couldn’t put a shot on target,” said sophomore defender Jeff Dukes.
The Spartans seemed out of sorts as the mistakes became too difficult to overcome.
“We weren’t locked in,” said junior defender Andy Rios.
Despite a slow start to the season the team and coach remain hopeful and excited for the future.
“We’re doing okay, we just got 16 newcomers this year that have to grow up very quick and that’s alright,” Tobin said.
The Hornets played a rough and aggressive brand of soccer and committed 21 fouls to the Spartans 9. Aside from the physicality, SJSU and Sac. State were evenly matched despite a few costly mental mistakes.
The Spartans will look to bounce back on Sept. 7 when they host Saint Mary’s College.
