USAF ACADEMY – Despite going down early the Falcons showed tenacity in their battle to a draw at one against San Jose State, bringing the Spartan’s three-match win streak to a stall. Air Force, in fourth place in the Mountain West with eight points, improved to 2-3-2 in conference action.
San Jose State (6-6-3, 3-2-2 MW) struck early as Fernando Duarte recovered a lucky deflection and redirected it to a goal in the seventh minute. The goal marked Duarte’s third this season.
The Falcons responded accordingly, battling for possessions while also taking shot opportunities. At the end of the first half, SJSU attempted 10 (6) shots to AF’s 6 (2); however, freshman keeper Hunter Anderson proved to be impermeable for the remaining minutes.
Air Force came out of the locker room fired up, playing their best second-half soccer this season with concise connections and immense pressure on a confident Spartan team. Braedon Gehring, recovering a deflection in the 56th minute, notched his first collegiate strike with an uncontested rocket from 30 yards out to equalize in the 56th minute.
The Falcons were the clear aggressors in the second half, attempting 11 shots in the second 45 with four of them coming on target. Despite the tremendous effort and close calls from freshmen Xidane Espinoza and Hector Orozco, alongside sophomore standout Quinn Muderlak, SJSU was able to fend off an Air Force rally.
Freshman goalie Hunter Anderson was exquisite in goal, making eight saves to secure his eighth positive result this season. Defenders Doran Farrel and team captain Andrei Bulankou anchored the defense with 90 minutes clocked.
The Falcons, with eight points in the conference standings, will take on Utah Tech this coming Wednesday, October 28. The Trailblazers, tying AF once this season, can keep playoff hopes alive with a win. Air Force, with equally consequential implications at stake, will look to keep the momentum rolling with a positive result in St. George, Utah.
