By: Diego Macaraeg (@DiegoMac_sports) – Spear Reporter | The Spartans huddle up before kickoff in their 1-0 loss to UC Santa Barbara on Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Max Garcia Ortiz – Spear Photographer)
The San Jose State Spartans (1-4-0) fell 1-0 to the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (3-1-1) on Sunday at the Spartan Soccer Complex, conceding the game-winning goal in the 69th minute.
The breakthrough came when sophomore midfielders Dakota Watterson and Ava Dermott assisted senior forward Haley Phillips, who headed in the cross, giving the Gauchos the lead.
The Spartans defended well in the first half, keeping the match scoreless despite consistent pressure from the Gauchos.
UCSB held a 58% possession advantage and finished with 10 shots to SJSU’s seven.
San Jose State pushed higher up the field in the final 20 minutes and produced three shots on target, but couldn’t find the equalizer.
SJSU head coach Sonia Curvelo said she liked the team’s aggression late but stressed the need to be more clinical and consistent.
“We’re doing the best we can with the players that we do have on our roster and we’re just hoping they get better every single day and improve each day,” Curvelo said. “As far as building the culture, it’s not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time to get that mentality.”
Defender Gabrielle Germain, one of the freshmen earning significant minutes, said she is optimistic about the group’s progress.
“We’ve been working hard in practice and I know it’s gonna come,” Germain said. “Just taking it step by step and I know we’re capable, and I’m really excited for the future of this team.”
It is still early in the season, which means that the Spartans will look to brush off the slow start and continue to work on team chemistry.
Sophomore goalkeeper Paige Fry, who recorded one save in the loss, emphasized the bonds being built within the squad.
“We came in July, and we’re a bunch of strangers, and now I’d say we’re pretty much family,” Fry said.
The Spartans continue their home stand Thursday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. against Cal Poly.
