The University of the Pacific men’s soccer team is preparing for two key Northern California matches this week. The Tigers will open with a road game against the San Jose State Spartans on Thursday, September 12, at 7 p.m. at Spartan Soccer Complex in San Jose. They will then return home to Stockton for a Sunday afternoon game against the Cal State Northridge Matadors at 4 p.m. at Knoles Field.
The Tigers enter these contests with a 1-3-1 record. Sophomore forward Josephat Yangyuoru leads the team offensively with two goals, five points, and five shots on goal. He scored twice in a 3-3 draw against UC Davis, a match highlighted by Pacific scoring three goals within the first 13 minutes—the fastest start in the program’s modern era.
Goalkeeping duties for Pacific have been shared by sophomore Alejandro Caracheo Luna and graduate Mateus Ruiz-Hurst, both recording career-best ten-save games this season. Ruiz-Hurst has started the last two matches, making 16 saves off 35 shots faced.
San Jose State, holding a 2-3 record, boasts offensive leaders Amir Anwary, with two goals, and Daniel Fregoso Bautista, who has accumulated three assists. Their goalkeeper Ronin Axelson has played every minute this season, maintaining a 2.00 goals-against average with 21 saves across five starts. Last season, San Jose State defeated Pacific 2-0 on the road, but Pacific holds a 5-4 advantage in the series since 2014.
The Sunday match against Cal State Northridge is part of a doubleheader day at Knoles Field, beginning with the women’s game against Cal State Bakersfield. The Matadors are undefeated at home this season but are winless on the road, with Kayvon Monfared leading their offense with three goals, six points, and 12 shot attempts. Goalkeeper Dorian Drucks has posted a 1.93 goals-against average, seven saves, and one clean sheet.
Pacific seeks to bounce back from its 2-1 loss to Cal State Northridge last season at Knoles Field, where Luca Baltzer and James Andrew assisted on the Tigers’ sole goal.
Fans can watch Thursday’s game at San Jose State via MW+, and Sunday’s home match against Cal State Northridge will be streamed on ESPN+ starting at 4 p.m.
CSB Take
These two Northern California games provide critical chances for the University of the Pacific men’s soccer team to reverse an early-season 1-3-1 record and build momentum. With Josephat Yangyuoru emerging as a pivotal scorer and experienced goalkeepers sharing duties effectively, Pacific has both offensive and defensive potential to challenge regional rivals. Success in these matches could set a positive tone for the remainder of the season and enhance the Tigers’ standing within their competitive slate.
Source: Original report
