By Alex Diaz (@DiazOnSports) – Spartan freshman midfielder Mercedes Cioffi pressures Matador sophomore forward Yasmin Azar in a physical contest on the wing (Photo by Taylor Cowhey – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State’s women’s soccer stepped onto the turf of the Spartan Soccer Complex field on Sunday. At noon, chasing a win that has eluded them for nearly three decades against Cal State Northridge.
But just seven minutes into the match, the past came rushing back.
A low strike from Matador redshirt sophomore Jordyn Canister cut past Spartan sophomore goalkeeper Paige Fry’s diving leap, settling into the back of the net. The early goal, scored at 7:21, became the difference-maker in a 1-0 loss that extended SJSU’s winless streak against the Matadors to nearly 30 years.
The Spartans haven’t topped Northridge since 1996, with the all-time series now standing at 3-1-1 in the Matadors’ favor.
“I felt like this group [CSUN] was more direct,” SJSU head coach Sonia Curvelo said. “I think they put us in a position where they were able to score that first goal, and we were caught high too.”
SJSU struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with missed passes between and cutting off early opportunities. While CSUN tested the back line often, tallying five shots before the Spartans even registered its first.
A sharp attempt by freshman midfielder Analise Martins in the 25th minute was smothered by Matador redshirt senior goalkeeper Riley Liebsack.
As the first half closed, SJSU freshman midfielder Kiara Anima nearly provided a breakthrough. Anima shot toward the bottom left corner in the 43rd minute forcing Liebsack into another save, denying the Spartans’ best look of the night.
“We are a brand new team, completely,” freshman forward Maryam Ladkani said. “The chemistry’s a bit off, but we’re working on learning about each other every single day.”
The second half grew more physical with CSUN picking up two yellow cards, including one in the final minute. SJSU couldn’t break through, finishing with only three shots and leaving the score locked at 1-0.
“I always say play like a goldfish since goldfish have really bad memories,” Fry said. “I just try to forget it and move on to the next one; you can’t live in the past.”
San Jose State will travel to Davis at 7 p.m. on Thursday to face UC Davis at Aggie Soccer Field. As the Spartans continue nonconference play and look to secure their first win of the season.
