The San Jose State men’s soccer team lost 1-0 against Stanford during a friendly game on Thursday at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
The Spartans were pressured out of the gate as the Cardinal had an offensive burst that continued through the first half.
Though Stanford’s offense was tight, there were multiple fast breaks from SJSU midfielders that developed into missed goals.
SJSU freshman forward Riccardo Scarafia said it was challenging to play at the pace the Spartans wanted.
“They were pressuring really high, so we needed to get some balls behind to the wingers,” Scarafia said. “Maybe be more patient when we get to the goal and try to finalize.”
At Minute 15, freshman midfielder Angel Iniguez intercepted the ball and displayed a swift ground pass toward Scarafia on the left wing, which allowed the Spartans to gain some ground offensively.
As SJSU began to find its footing, junior defender Joel Garcia and junior midfielder Isaac Lomeli pinned Stanford midfielder Mark Fisher near the boundary line, resulting in an out of bounds from Stanford.
During the first half, freshman defender Josh Lucas stopped the Cardinal offense multiple times, preventing a goal.
At the beginning of the second half, Stanford made several advances toward SJSU’s box.
SJSU senior goalkeeper David Sweeney had three saves in the second half and played patiently after Stanford’s goal attempts.
“I try to keep a level head most of the game because my job is to keep us in the game,” he said. “Our defensive came with some big blocks as well, so shout-out them.”
A standout moment from the Spartans on the defensive side of the ball was Garcia blocking a Cardinal striker’s shot with his back just outside the Spartan’s box.
“I prepared like any normal game obviously – it’s Stanford,” Sweeney said. “It’s always an exciting game with them and I know I’m going to get a lot of action.”
The Cardinal brought action five minutes into the second half with haste passes that led to a goal attempt saved by the keeper. This caused the Spartans to repeat and maintain a defensive position.
Sweeney had five saves in the second half, featuring two dives that made the home crowd erupt.
It was when Lucas stole possession of the ball at Minute 50 that SJSU’s midfield strengthened, leaving less gaps for Stanford to punish and producing more plays offensively.
Despite Stanford’s pressure and ruling ball control, SJSU was able to lead the game in blocks, saves and interceptions.
At Minute 70, Cardinal midfielder Fletcher Bank scored from a cross, resulting in the Spartans being down by one.
Less than a minute later, SJSU had an opportunity for the equalizer.
Scarafia ran toward Stanford’s box before delivering a quick pass to SJSU sophomore midfielder Beau Leroux who kicked the ball with his left foot, with the ball grazing the left goal post.
Later in the half, SJSU freshman forward Anthony Guzman delivered a shot after receiving a midfield pass, missing the goal.
Spartan midfielder Gaku Nishimura had a free kick at Minute 75, which exhibited a cluster of Spartan strikers attempting to ensure a goal, but was saved by the Stanford goalkeeper.
In the final minutes of the half, Garcia received a pass from the left, missing the last shot on goal.
“It’s always exciting playing against Stanford,” Scarafia said. “It’s spring and we are getting ready for the fall, so it’s good everytime we can play the field.”
The Spartans are set to play one more game this semester in preparation for Fall 2024.
SJSU is scheduled to play Cal Poly at 7 p.m. on May 13 at Alex G. Spanos Stadium in San Luis Obispo.
