By: Mohammad Najimi (@mnajimisjsu) – Spear Reporter | Spartans’ Gilberto Rivera dribbles the ball through midfield against Cal Poly on Aug. 21. (Photo by Taylor Cowhey – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State and CSU Northridge played 90 minutes of soccer Thursday night without a goal between them. But whereas the scoreboard was quiet, the midfield was not.
The Spartans and Matadors waged a fierce battle in the midfield that dictated all facets of the game, neither side willing to yield an inch.
Associate head coach Jesus Sanchez had already indicated before kick-off that the match would be won or lost in the middle third. After the final whistle, he reiterated that finding.
“It was the most important battle for us, and we mentioned it before, because that’s where we felt they had their best players too,” Sanchez said. “I really do think that over 90 minutes, our midfield edged a little bit. We knew that if their midfield had joy, then it was going to be a tough and long game.”
The Spartans relied on discipline and determination to match the athleticism of the Matadors.
Time and again, the tackles arrived and possession changed instantly.
Although control shifted between the teams, SJSU’s ability to break up passes and recover loose balls enabled them to hold extended periods of control at key moments.
Midfielder Gilberto Rivera, who orchestrated much of SJSU’s play throughout the match, acknowledged the strength and skill of the opposing midfield while insisting that his team maintained the upper hand and created more chances.
“It was a great midfield. They told us in our scouting report that they’re going to be a great midfield and I think they’ve been the best midfield we’ve played yet,” Rivera said. “I think we outplayed them. They matched our intensity, but I think we just had a little more, but the goal didn’t come for us.”
The game’s best of the opportunities was also an indication of the competitiveness of the midfield battle.
Both sides were able to fashion half-chances from quick turnovers, but neither could produce the final pass or finishing touch.
For Rivera, the game was a matter of personal business.
After talking with coaches about upping his output at defense, he viewed this performance as progress in the right direction.
“I think the past games, I haven’t been pushing myself in the defense, but I had a talk with my coach and he told me basically what I needed to level up from since the spring,” Rivera said. “I think I did what I had to this game and, hopefully, I can for the next games too.”
Sanchez echoed the improvement of the midfielder, naming Rivera and Spartan teammate Angel Fernandez as two others who embodied the grit of the team.
“Yeah, I think especially towards the second half… Angel Fernandez and Gilberto Rivera, especially the two players coming from deeper, put on a real shift today,” Sanchez said.
The Spartans leave the field with a single point, but with vindication.
The score might’ve eluded them, but the battle in the middle proved that this Spartan team belongs among the best.
