By Felix Oliveros — Staff Writer
The San Jose State men’s soccer team (2-9-1, 2-2-1 WAC) couldn’t hold onto its early 1-0 lead Sunday morning as they were defeated 2-1 by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (3-9-1, 1-3-1 WAC).
Lady Luck visited the Spartans in the seventh minute of the game when the Rebels scored an own goal.
This gave the Spartans a 1-0 lead that they would try to protect for the rest of the game.
Junior forward Rudy Castro was credited for the goal, making it six goals on the season for him.
The Spartans couldn’t shield themselves from UNLV senior midfielder Timo Mehlich who entered the match as the Rebel’s leading scorer at four goals.
Mehlich scored two goals in nine minutes in the second half (71’, 80’) that sealed the Spartan’s fate.
This was the Rebels’ first victory since Sept. 13 and their first conference victory of the season.
The Spartans came into the game on the verge of turning their season around.
While their overall record indicates a forgettable season, their conference record of 2-2-1 still gives Spartans fans hope.
San Jose State wasn’t shy about taking their shots.
After the dust settled the Spartans had taken 14 shots, with six on goal.
The Rebels made the most of their shots, tallying up just eight shots with three being on goal.
Late in the game, sophomore midfielder Finlay Wood was down in pain after blocking a possible hat trick from Mehlich.
He exited the game limping and the details of his possible injury are unknown for now.
SJSU will look to take steps in a better direction on Saturday, Oct. 13, when the squad faces off against California Baptist University at 3 p.m.
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