NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – Fernando Duarte scored the game’s lone goal and Ronin Axelson made eight saves to lead the San José State men’s soccer team (3-3-1, 0-0-0 MW) in a 1-0 win over CSUN (3-3-1, 0-0-0 Big West) on Thursday night from Matador Soccer Field.
The Spartans struck in the fifth minute after a Matador handball inside the penalty area. Duarte stepped to the spot and converted the penalty kick for his first career goal, giving SJSU an early 1-0 advantage.
San José State continued to threaten during a fast start, forcing CSUN’s goalkeeper to make three additional saves in the opening six minutes. The Spartans placed four of their six first-half shots on frame while carrying their one-goal lead into the break.
CSUN increased the pressure in the second half, but Axelson stood tall in goal. The Spartan goalkeeper recorded all eight of his saves after halftime, including four during the opening 12 minutes of the period.
Both teams were reduced to 10 players during the second half. CSUN received a red card in the 64th minute before SJSU’s Jordi Tortell Daly was sent off in the 80th after receiving a second yellow.
Axelson made three saves over a two-minute stretch late in the match, denying a pair of Matador shots in the 82nd minute before stopping another attempt in the 84th. The Spartans’ defense held firm the rest of the way to secure their first clean sheet of the season.
SJSU finished with eight shots, placing five on target. Duarte led the Spartans with three shots and two attempts on goal, while Angel Fernandez, Daniel Fregoso Bautista and Angel Gutierrez each added a shot on frame.
- This marks the first Spartan victory over CSUN since 2010 and first win at CSUN since 1997
- Axelson’s shutout was his first of the season and fourth of his career
- Axelson’s eight saves set a new career-high
- Duarte’s PK goal was the Spartans’ first penalty kick goal of the season
- The Spartans have earned a result in three consecutive matches
UP NEXT: The Spartans will close out non-con play against Cal State Fullerton on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. PT at Titan Stadium. The game can be watched on ESPN+.
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