By Ethan Ndachi (@EthanNdachi) – Content editor | Senior midfielder Angel Iniguez vs. USF on Sept. 4 (Photo by Max Garcia – The Spear)
San Jose State men’s Soccer (5-1-2) traveled away to Knoles Field where they won 2-0 against University of Pacific (2-6) on Sunday night, continuing their undefeated record on the road.
This marks the Spartans’ first away win to Pacific since a 3-0 win in 1985, having been 0-4-1 against the Tigers at their home since then.
SJSU were having its way for the majority of the game, but was unable to score an opener until a handball committed by Pacific freshman Emmanuel Frimpong allowed an opportunity for SJSU to take the lead via a penalty kick.
This would be the first penalty SJSU have earned in the 2025 season.
Senior midfielder and reigning WAC Offensive Player of the Year, Angel Iniguez, stepped up to bring the Spartans up in the 50th minute. This would be Iniguez’s first goal of the season, and 20th career goal.
Iniguez was in the thick of the action for all 90 minutes for SJSU, setting up teammates with clean through balls as well as taking a team-high four shots against the Tigers.
SJSU were a force to be reckoned with going forward, earning 15 shots on the night compared to Pacific’s 12, with six of the Spartans’ shots on target. The scoreline didn’t reflect the performance however, as SJSU had some great opportunities that could not be converted.
The Tigers tried to take ambitious long shots multiple times, attempting to claw back into the game, but ultimately falling short of the target.
The pressure didn’t wear off for a second against Pacific, as in the 80th minute, sophomore forward Jordi Tortell Daly cut in on the right side of the box and brought SJSU up 2-0 with a brilliant finish at a difficult angle.
This would also be the first goal of the season for Tortell Daly, five appearances into the season. Iniguez returns to get the assist for the goal, bringing his season total to four, and putting him tied 10th for the SJSU all-time career assist leaderboard.
“It’s good for [Iniguez and Tortell Daly],” head coach Simon Tobin said. “Gives them a little bit of confidence as we go almost into the crunch part of the season.”
While the attack was freeflowing for the Spartans, the backline deserves praise for their efforts as well, being involved in a chaotic sequence in SJSU’s box in the waning moments of the game.
The team was able to earn a fifth clean sheet for the season against Pacific, which makes SJSU tied fourth in the nation for shutouts.
“We hope that we defend all the way from our number nine forward, from Arnold [Matshazi], all the way through the team. It is really a defensive effort,” Tobin said. “Our commitment to defend all over the field helps our shutouts, no doubt about it.
Redshirt senior keeper Edgar Guerra had four saves on the night, whose quick reflexes prevented Pacific from capitalizing on a freekick.
Next, the Spartans look to continue their away tour to the UC Davis Mustangs this Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Davis, Calif.
