STANFORD, Calif. - Sophomore Eric Waltz made a career-high seven saves to lead San José State to a shutout of No. 20 Stanford on Saturday night.
The match marks the Spartans (2-1-1) second draw in the last three meetings between the two programs and is the team's fifth result in the last 20 years against the Cardinal (2-1-1). In addition, it marks the program's first result against a ranked opponent since Aug. 24, 2018 (0-0 at No. 1 and three-time defending national champion Stanford).
- Waltz came up clutch late on Saturday, making saves in both the 82nd and 95th minutes to bring his total to seven on the night. His finest moment of the evening came in the 64th, denying a header off a free kick with a full-extension tip over the crossbar.
- The sophomore now has two shutouts in three career appearances (was in goal for SJSU's 1-0 victory in 2020-21 regular season finale against UNLV).
- The San José State attack picked its spots carefully and made plenty of runs to threaten the Cardinal defense. The offense's best look came with just two minutes remaining in regulation as Ryota Nakashima delivered a perfect ball in front of goal for Omar Lemus. Running at full speed, Lemus made a great effort to chip the ball back across the body but the shot went just wide and the score remained tied.
- SJSU ended the evening with seven total shots (four on frame). Nakashima and Lemus both led the Spartans with two shots each.
- San José State has now earned six straight away results dating back to last season.
- At 2-1-1, the Spartans are off to their best start to a season through four matches in 10 years (also started 2-1-1 in 2011 with victories over Fresno Pacific and Omaha).
With their unbeaten streak now at two matches, the Spartans will look to stay hot when they face Saint Mary's on Monday. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. in Moraga.