By James Kim (@Jdkim38):
The Spartans’ men’s soccer team won 2-0 against Saint Mary’s College. Senior forward Jeremy Romero scored both goals, one in each half, in the match on Thursday.
The first goal followed a running play alongside a SMC defender into a left-field shooting position. The second goal was scored in that manner, closer to the goal.
Romero attributed the victory to his teammates.
“I thought both our center backs, Andy [Rios] and Jeff [Dukes],” Romero said. “We were able to lock it down, [and] win all the balls in the air, they’re playing solid — they haven’t had a bad game yet.”
Tobin was proud of his team’s play on the field.
“It was probably our most complete performance,” said SJSU head coach Simon Tobin.
Tobin also commented on his two-goal scorer Romero.
“Because of his speed and strength, he’s dangerous… he’s now becoming a complete forward… if he can get in behind the team’s defense, he’s going to be very dangerous,” Tobin said.
The team’s matchup in defense led to some strategic differences as offenses were stopped and led into various alternate plays. Passing turnovers were numerous for both teams throughout the game.
The Gaels had six corner kicks in the game, and totaled ten shots, while the Spartans had one corner kick and six shots.
Junior goalkeeper Alex Clewis, who shut out the Gaels, stated about the team was determined not to give up a goal
“We were not going to get scored on… That was the whole team’s mentality — it boosted our confidence tremendously,” Clewis said.
Clewis had two saves in the game. A shot that had hit the crossbar at the 80 minute mark was subject for discussion afterwards the game…
“[I] Love the crossbar,” Clewis said, “I think [the shot was] meant to be a [pass], but the wind took it.”
The Spartans are now 2-2 on the season with the win.
“We’ve just got to take this game into the next coming weekend and keep pushing forward,” Romero said
The Spartans begin a stretch of three away games starting next week on September 14th, at 7:00 p.m. against CSU Northridge.