By Alex Guzman – Spear Reporter | Sophomore Fernando Duarte and freshman midfielder Isac Enriquez running with ball against Air Force Academy (Photo by Marco Munoz — Spear photographer)
Freshman midfielder Isac Enriquez took three shots against Air Force Academy, putting two on goal and scoring once in the 19th minute to spark the Spartans to a 3-1 victory on Saturday night at Spartan Soccer Complex.
It was Enriquez’s second goal of the season and his first in conference play. His previous goal came against the University of the Pacific.
The goal started with a corner kick from junior midfielder Daniel Fregoso Bautista into the Falcons’ box. Falcon freshman goalkeeper Hunter Anderson got a hand to the ball but failed to secure it, allowing it to fall to junior defender Diego Nieves, who headed it to junior defender Tiko Moodie.
Moodie found Enriquez in the center of the box, and he scored on his first touch.
“Knowing that we’re yet to get a win in our conference, I feel like it was a good spark to get us on the front foot,” Enriquez said. “Scoring for the first time [at] this conference… I think that gave us a little bit of energy and I feel like it brought us life.”
Starting the season as center back, Enriquez now plays as a holding midfielder, shielding the backline. He said the game moves faster and the available space is tighter than he’s used to. He credits his coaches for helping him adjust.
“Just understanding space and getting my first touch better and quicker, cleaner, hasn’t been too bad,” Enriquez said.
SJSU interim head coach Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez said the minutes Enriquez has logged all season are why he was ready for Saturday’s match.
The Spartans were without captain and senior midfielder Angel Fernandez, who was suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards.
“[Isac has] shown from the beginning that he was ready for this. [He] just needed experience,” Sanchez said. “He seems more comfortable, he seems more settled in, so that’s good.”
Sanchez added that he expects Enriquez to be in the lineup throughout the season and points to his versatility as a strong asset.
“He’s willing to play whatever the team needs him to play, and I believe he has the ability to play multiple positions,” Sanchez said.
In the fourth minute, Enriquez let a long-range shot that forced a save by Air Force, an early sign he was willing to push forward from his holding role.
Enriquez adds that the focus now is on staying consistent as the Spartans head back on the road.
“Obviously it comes with work and just continue to train well, prep well, recover, so, we’ll see what comes,” Enriquez said.
SJSU will next travel to face Utah Tech University at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Greater Zion Stadium in St. George, Utah.
