By Jose Trujillo — Editor
Fresh off its biggest win of the season, the San Jose State men’s soccer team (2-3-1, 0-0- WAC) looks ride that momentum in a home meeting against Pacific ( 3-2-1, 0-0 WCC) Sunday afternoon.
A four-goal outing was more than enough to help the Spartans upset No. 16 USF on Monday.
Now, the Spartans have a chance to closeout non-conference play on an even stronger note.
While the team has shown signs of it’s defensive strengths and possessive style of play, they have yet to show consistency. The Spartans have not won two-consecutive games, but a win over Pacific changes that statistic.
SJSU would also like to straighten out the second-period defense before conference play.
So far, they have proven to be a strong first period foe no matter who they face. Through six games, they are outscoring their opponents 6-2. The problems falls in the second period where Tobin’s squad has given up nine goals and has scored only three.
When it comes to shots by period, it really is the same story. The Spartans are strong, giving up a combined 36 shots in the first period, yet that number jumps to 47 when focusing in second periods.
Today will be the perfect chance to finally tune-up the second half woes for the Spartans.
In order to do that, SJSU will need continued production from junior defender Omar Lemus, and sophomore midfielder Willy Miranda.
Lemus leads the Spartans in assists with two, and tops the team in total points with eight. Lemus and Miranda both share the scoring column tied for first with three goals apiece.
For Pacific, they come into the matchup ranked 40th in the nation in corner kicks. One player to look for: freshman midfielder Camden Riley. The 6-foot-1 Dallas native is transitioning into Division I soccer just fine.
Through six games, Riley leads the team with six total points and has scored three goals on a .273 shooting percentage. He has scored in all of the Tigers victory’s this season.
Kick off is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
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