By Ethan Ndachi (@EthanNdachi)- Content Editor | Junior midfielder Gilberto Rivera carries ball up the pitch vs USF (Photo by Max Garcia – Spear photographer)
San Jose State men’s soccer’s winning ways came to an end Thursday night at the Spartan Soccer Complex as they lost 3-0 to University of San Francisco (4-1-0).
This ends their three game undefeated streak, putting them 3-1 so far this season.
While SJSU looked to be positive as the game started, USF established themselves in the fifth minute as sophomore Brayden Beason netted top right to shake up the Spartans.
SJSU barely had time to breathe before junior defender Rylan Smith scored off a Don’s set-piece to double the lead in the 12th minute.
“The set-piece goal was well worked by them,” Coach Tobin said, “They’re the most complete team, maybe them and Stanford, that we’ll play this year.”
Head coach Simon Tobin expressed how big this game was, and the test University of San Francisco would provide, when spoken to in team training the previous day.
SJSU were playing catch-up for the rest of the game, with both teams having eight shots with four on target, only USF were able to capitalize and find their goals.
The game was noticeably physical and intense, with the Dons exploiting runs in behind repeatedly to hurt the Spartans.
The physical nature of the game was not lost on the spectators, yellow cards were handed out left and right including after a serious altercation between sophomore’s Cameron Cook and David Raphael, which saw both teams get involved in the scuffle 15 minutes into the first half.
The Spartans would continue to push on in the second half, but were still unable to find success. The Dons would then land the final blow of the game as Rylan Smith returned to the scoresheet and earned the third goal of the night.
A collective reaction of frustration showed across the Spartans, as the ball returned to the center of the pitch for restart.
“We came in here with a lot of momentum but honestly they were just the better team today,” Senior captain Niklas Dossmann said. “We couldn’t keep up with the duels [and] match the intensity and we suffered.”
Moving forward, coach Tobin wants the Spartans to be resolved in the back, stating that the positive attacking mindset of the team leaves them open in defense.
Senior goalkeeper Edgar Guerra will attest to this, facing the brunt of USF’s attacks and only being able to make 1 save on the night, but still believing in the team ahead of him.
“We’re not done…nothings lost,” Guerra said with his head held high, “I have no doubts about this team winning the WAC.”
The Spartans look to return to the win column against Sacramento State, 3 p.m. Sunday in Sacramento.
