By Austin Turner
An 11-save performance from senior goalkeeper Alex Clewis proved to be crucial in San Jose State men’s soccer’s 0-0 draw against the top ranked team in the nation, the Stanford Cardinal.
The Spartans opened the season with a visit to The Farm. The Cardinal came into Friday night’s game coming off a third-consecutive NCAA championship and currently sitting atop the United Soccer Coach’s poll.
However, none of that mattered as SJSU remained level with Stanford after 110 minutes and two hard-fought overtime periods.
Leading the way for the Spartans was the senior Clewis, as he survived an onslaught of an attack from the Cardinal.
Stanford finished the game with 24 shots, 11 on goal. Clewis managed to preserve a clean sheet, despite seven corner-kicks for Stanford.
On the other end, SJSU struggled offensively in the first half. The Spartans only managed to get one shot off through the first 45 minutes of the match.
However, in the second half, the team put more pressure on the Cardinal defense and finished the match with nine shots, only two being on goal.
In a scoreless game, the two sides combined for 29 fouls, with 16 calls going against the Spartans.
Early in the first half, SJSU midfielder Willy Miranda collided with Stanford midfielder Logan Panchot, causing both players to leave the field with head injuries. Both players would later return.
Although the Spartans weren’t able to pull off the upset, the performance showed that they’re able to compete with anyone.
SJSU will look to capture its first win of the season as it hosts the Cal State Northridge Matadors at the Spartan Soccer Complex on Sunday at 4 p.m.
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