By: Sofia Wright — Staff Writer
San Jose State men’s water polo has never beaten the University of Southern California in its history, and although close, it was unable to change that fact.
SJSU (7-15, 1-2 GCC) is now 0-8 all-time against USC (11-4, 1-0 MPSF) after a 17-9 loss. In last year’s matchup, the Spartans lost 16-5.
Each half told a different story.
Starting off strong, SJSU put up three goals in the first period with USC only making one in the net.
The Spartans lead USC up until 2:04 in the second period, where the Trojans tied the game 5-5.
With just 52 seconds left in the second period, USC took a 6-5 lead. It then extended the lead to 7-5 with only 2.41 seconds left. The Trojans swam away with the game and never looked back.
The Spartans were still in the game, but in the third period the Trojans were able to score for their largest lead of three.
In the second half SJSU’s offensive intensity wavered under USC’s defensive pressure, pressure that proved troublesome for the Spartans.
Late in the third period the Trojans were guarding the Spartans as far up as mid-pool.
Even ending in a blowout win, the two teams tied with 29 shots apiece.
Senior Finn Pardon was the Spartan’s star player as he led the team with four goals. Five other Spartans managed to get one goal each, contributing to the final score.
SJSU head coach Bruce Watson was issued a yellow card for the second game in a row, and his frustrations were also shown through his substitution for star goalie Yahav Fire late in the fourth period.
Now on a two-game losing streak, the Spartans look to bounce back next weekend against UC Santa Barbara. The home game is set to start at noon.
Follow Sofia on Twitter @sofiagwright