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Terrell Lloyd

Comeback Attempt Falls Short As Lancers Outlast SJSU

Riverside, Calif. – Angel Farias scored his second goal of the road trip but it wasn't enough to lift San José State as California Baptist emerged for a 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon in Riverside.

The Lancers jumped out to a 2-0 advantage and were able to hold off a frantic Spartan rally to earn the win at Lancer Soccer Field. 

Possession and attacking numbers were just about even throughout the match with California Baptist ultimately ending the day at a 14-11 shot advantage. Forward Rodolfo Castro would lead all players with four shots while midfielder Danny Sanchez followed closely behind with two. 

Farias' goal came in the match's 83rd minute, cutting his team's deficit in half with one of the team's most beautiful goals of the season.

Collecting a pass from midfielder Carlos Gomez-Zavala, Farias unloaded from nearly 30 yards out. The ball looped over the goalkeeper's head and into the right corner of the net, giving SJSU some late life at the end of a long road trip. 

The goal was the result of persistent pressure for the duration of the day. Despite creating some good looks in both the first and second halves, the visitors from Silicon Valley had multiple shots turned away by the woodwork before they eventually got on the scoreboard. 



The comeback attempt was ultimately stopped short but a big save by freshman David Sweeney in the 88th minute gave San José State one last chance to equalize. Midfielder Willy Miranda was able to get off one final shot with just six seconds remaining but the attempt went wide to seal the deal on the 2-1 scoreline. 

Sunday's match marked the last of three consecutive away contests as the Spartans continue to face a challenging schedule. 

It doesn't get much easier as the team returns home to face first-place Utah Valley on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Spartan Soccer Complex.