UTRGV falls to San José State in conference play

The UTRGV Men’s Soccer team lost 2-1 to San José State University at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex today after the referees disallowed a goal in a controversial call, which drew frustration from the Vaqueros and resulted in a brief scuffle between the teams. 

The Spartans (7-5-2) took the lead in the 12th minute on a goal by forward Rudi Castro. The Vaqueros (6-6) responded right away by leveling the score in the 15th minute off a goal by defender Jan Engels, his third of the season. 

San José State University midfielder Max Allen scored the winning goal in the 58th minute off a deflection that sneaked past UTRGV goalkeeper Oliver Padilla, who ended the day with two saves. 

Vaqueros defender Elyad Shojael scored the disallowed goal in the 85th minute, which after further review by head official Ricardo Ocampo was called back for being offside. 

After the game, the officials got an earful from UTRGV head coach Bryheem Hancock about the decision.

“I think, you know, it happens in the game,” Hancock said. “I’ll review it again on video and I thought we were onside. Obviously, they thought differently. Official makes the final decision and we got to live with it.” 

After the final whistle, verbal exchanges between opposing players and the crowd led to shoves between players on both teams. Other teammates on both sides tried to hold them back.

“Yeah, I think something was said by one of the players [from San José State University] toward our crowd and our guys obviously got a little upset with that because, obviously, this community comes out and supports us,” Hancock said. “And it happens sometimes, obviously. Nothing came [of it], so I’m glad for that. But, obviously, sometimes you get in the heat of the moments when the game was so close.” 

Spartans Head Coach Simon Tobin told The Rider that the after-match skirmish was because of the energy during the game and hopes players from both sides can shake hands and put it past them for future matches. 

“UTRGV are a very, very good team and, you know, to get out of here with a win is big, I think,” Tobin said.  “You know, that was a close call there at the end that they feel bad about. When they have a look at it again, they may think differently. But still, I think for us to win, I don’t know whether it was deserved. We battled very hard but both teams could have won it.” 

The Spartans outshot the Vaqueros 17-14, but UTRGV had an advantage in shots on goal of 6-4.

Hancock said the last three days of practice the team focused on movement in the final third and how to finish runs in the box.

“I think it creates a lot of chances,” he said. “A lot of really good looks that are hard to come against a good San Jose State team. So, I was pleased with that part of it but, unfortunately, it’s a score sheet and we came up short.” 

With today’s loss, the Vaqueros sit in seventh place in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) behind Utah Valley University.  

UTRGV will play against Seattle University for its final home game of the season at 1 p.m Sunday at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex. They will finish the season with three games on the road, hoping to get a spot in the WAC Tournament. 

“It’s a long season that goes fast,” Hancock said. “Guys put a lot of preparation into these matches, just like we did for today and, you know, we have to come out and get a result on Sunday. We’re at home and that’s what makes it disappointing [to lose today]. … We’re looking to get three points. Sunday we have to have the same mindset and just find a way.”