OREM, Utah – For the first time in 16 years, the San José State men’s soccer program has finished a regular season unbeaten in away matches.
Completing the historic feat didn’t come easy, but a golden goal off the foot of midfielder Finlay Wood in the match’s 99th minute secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in overtime on Wednesday night. The win gives the program its best start through six matches since the 2011 campaign and moves the team up to third on the WAC table in win percentage.
“That was a good performance on the road,” said assistant coach Jesus Sanchez after the victory. “We managed to get three goals and picked up three points. That is tough to do away from home but we have traveled well all year.”
Wood, along with seniors Nicolas Brenes and Willy Miranda, tallied the team’s trio of goals against Utah Valley. Senior Rudi Castro (who entered the day ranked No. 2 nationally in assists per match) contributed assists on all three of the Spartan goals.
It was Brenes who opened the scoring early, chipping a right-footed shot from the left side of the box just past the Wolverine (1-2-0) goalkeeper. The 17th minute goal was Brenes’ third of the season.
