By Ethan Ndachi (@EthanNdachi)- The Spear | SJSU men’s soccer vs Cal Poly on Aug. 21 (Photo by Haddy Barghouti – The Spear)
An all-action game came to an exciting end Sunday night after SJSU beat Saint Mary’s 2-1 to steal all three points in Moraga.
The result marks San Jose’s first victory over Saint Mary’s since 2017 and the first victory over Saint Mary’s away from home since 2002.
The Spartans now move to 2-0 for the season, the first time since 2010.
The game was tied 1-1 in the 89th minute until a header by sophomore Arnold Matshazi caught Saint Mary’s keeper off their line, winning the game for the Spartans with just seven seconds remaining.
“When it went in, the emotion,” Matshazi said, “You can’t recreate it.”
This was Matshazi’s second appearance for SJSU, as well as his second goal. Having just scored on his debut in his previous game vs Cal Poly.
Matshazi’s winner was assisted by both senior Javier Lopez and sophomore Jesper Bakli, their first career assists.
The Gaels earned a throw-in during the 38th minute. It was taken long and fell right at the feet of sophomore TJ Dilley, and was put in the bottom right corner of the Spartans goal.
It wasn’t long after, however, when senior Anthony Guzman maneuvered through the opposition’s box, after a quick pass by Bakli, and brought San Jose level with a great finish in the 42nd minute.
San Jose was looking well-oiled on the night, but struggled to find the back of the net in some of the chances they created.
“Sometimes we need to reward the good play that we have,” Assistant coach Jesus Sanchez said, “We have to continue to fight and grow out of this confidence booster tonight.”
SJSU earned nine shots to Saint Mary’s four in the first half. Including a free kick taken by sophomore Neo Ruiz that hit the crossbar.
The Spartans also managed to keep 66% possession of the pitch overall.
With the game staying even for almost all of the second half, redshirt senior Edgar Guerra was called upon to make key saves, putting a stop to Saint Mary’s graduate Luke Hoelting’s big chance in the 89th.
SJSU now looks to continue their winning ways against Bakersfield Friday Aug 29th 7 p.m. at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
