By Gabriel Luis (@gabelun):
San Jose State’s win drought goes on.
“Its unfortunate,” said senior defender Carlos Valdovinos.
The men’s soccer team (2-9-1) was aiming to pick up its first conference win against Grand Canyon University (4-6-0), but failed to do so by conceding a goal in the 107th minute, resulting in a 1-0 double-overtime loss.
Both teams entered the match having lost in their previous matches with the Lopes having yet to win on the road all season.
After kick off, neither SJSU or GCU would gain control within the first few minutes as both were unable to create anything within the first 25 minutes of the game.
The Spartans mainly kept a side that sought to break down the other team, and keep the Lopes under control.
“[The team is] very possession oriented and that’s our philosophy as a team,” said freshman midfielder Finlay Wood.
SJSU went through Wood and freshman midfielder Max Allen for most of their plays throughout the game.
By the end of the first half, both teams had fared well and the Spartans were unable to convert any of their five shots. Even though the Spartans were able to create space and multiple chances against the Lopes, they were unable to finish and actually score.
“[Working on] finishing in general. It’s evident we aren’t scoring a lot just because we’re not winning games,” Wood said.
After the break, the Spartans started the second half strong as the Lopes were put under pressure almost immediately.
San Jose State’s opportunity in the 47th minute resulted in an uncalled handball violation from Grand Canyon. However, the game was not stopped and SJSU was not given a penalty kick.
In the first 20 minutes of the second half, the Spartans had dominated Grand Canyon in both possession and passing.
San Jose State was connecting with most of their passes, whereas Grand Canyon had to play more defensively in the second half.
“We break down teams very well but can’t seem to put the ball in the back of the net,” Valdovinos said.
The Lopes had several shots throughout the game that barely went wide or high and one shot being on target.
The game’s intensity remained relatively the same in the second half up until the final whistle. After being unable to score in regulation, the match went into overtime.
Almost nothing occurred in the first half of overtime as both teams each finished the 10 minute period with only a few scoring opportunities.
SJSU fell short at the end because of confusion inside the box, resulting in a goal in the 107th minute by Grand Canyon’s senior forward Niki Jackson. Jackson’s goal came from inside the six-yard box and was assisted by junior midfielder Alex Radilla.
The Spartans will head to Texas next as they face Houston Baptist on Sunday, Oct. 15th at 11 a.m.