Carlos Jimenez (@carlosjimmenezz):
Following a loss to Cal State Northridge, the San Jose State men’s soccer team (2-4) fell short in a closely contested match to the No. 14 ranked University of Pacific Tigers (7-1).
In the opening stages of the match the Spartans were pinned to their side of the pitch because of the Tigers high pressure. The Spartans looked out of rhythm early and could not string together more than five passes in the first 15 minutes of the game.
Halfway through the first half the Spartans started having more possession of the ball until a 33rd minute headed goal by the Tigers off of a well placed cross shutdown that momentum.
The Tigers opened the second half with high pressure and were rewarded with a tap in goal just 14 minutes into the second half.
The rest of the half was a constant back and forth between the two teams until a silly foul by a Tigers defender gave the Spartans a penalty in the 79 minute.
Spartans senior striker Jeremy Romero converted the penalty for his fifth goal of the season.
Romero’s goal gave the Spartans new life and they were able to keep the pressure on the Tigers defense but could not find the equalizer.
The game was filled with many unfinished plays from both sides and not many clear chances at goal were presented. Only two saves were required by the Tigers goalkeeper and the Spartans junior keeper Alex Clewis had one save.
SJSU will hope to break out of their losing streak on Friday when it takes on the University of San Francisco on their home field.