Daniel Potter
Spartan and Matador players clash near the goal area on Sunday at the Spartan Soccer Complex. The Spartans lost 1-0.
The San José State women’s soccer team hosted a California State University, Northridge team and lost 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
Sonia Curvelo, as head coach for the Spartans since March, designated the teams early struggles as a growing and learning process.
“We showed some really good moments on Thursday and today I didn’t feel we had as many good moments compared to Thursday’s game against the No.16 team in the country,” Curvelo said. It’s a part of learning right now.”
Curvelo said the season brings new challenges and expressed faith in her team that completed its first home game Sunday afternoon.
Seven minutes into the match, the Matadors forward Jordyn Canister drilled a kick into the net to give them an early 1-0 lead.
It became chippy and physical early, with CSUN pushing the ball up the field and SJSU competing to stop them.
After the first half of the game, the Spartans accumulated five total fouls and both teams combined for seven fouls.
SJSU became exposed as the game clock ran out and the Matadors tallied 14 attempts versus the Spartans’ five.
SJSU sophomore goalkeeper Paige Fry notched one save in the first half, as opposed to the three saves tallied and no goals allowed by CSUN goalkeeper Riley Liebsack.
However, the Spartans would turn around the goalkeeping aspect of the game in the second half, with Fry pegging seven saves versus Liebsack’s three.
“I actually coached her as a freshman under my leadership there,” Curvelo said. “I’ve known (Fry) since she was a senior in high school. I know what she’s capable of.”
The Spartans’ defense was anchored by another goalkeeping match by Fry, but the Spartans’ offense was timid.
Curvelo said her plan for the team is to use the season’s hardships as a learning experience.
“I’m looking to improve everywhere. Our defense, our midfields, our forwards and even our goalkeepers,” she said. “It’s going to be a learning opportunity this season for us.”
In their 3-0 loss to Santa Clara University on Thursday, Fry’s effort was highlighted, with the goalkeeper recording seven saves against the Broncos. SCU handed the Spartans their first loss of the season, according to game notes from SJSU Athletics.
Santa Clara knocked off the Spartans 3-0 at Stevens Stadium – Buck Shaw Field on Thursday, Aug. 14, according to game notes from SJSU Athletics.
The San José State women’s soccer team returned to action against No.16 Santa Clara University on Thursday, Aug. 14.
“Honestly, it comes down to speed of play for us from what I’m seeing,” Fry said. “It ultimately comes down to just deciding that we’re going to keep working in practice for that speed of play.”
SJSU looks to bounce back on the road and capture its first win in non-conference play and earn their first win under Curvelo.
The Spartans are scheduled to play their next game against the University of California, Davis on Aug. 21 at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time at the Aggie Soccer Field in Davis, California.