The CSUN men’s soccer team suffered a dramatic 1-0 loss against the San Jose State Spartans. The Matadors entered the game with a 3-2-1 record after their previous win on the road against the University of the Pacific Tigers.

The Matadors’ struggles began as soon as the referee blew the first whistle, when defenders Dominik Wicks and Tito Oyewo committed fouls that resulted in yellow cards. San Jose State midfielder Fernando Duarte scored a penalty kick in the fourth minute when a handball was called inside CSUN’s own box. The Spartans were in control for the rest of the half, having more possession of the ball than the Matadors.

San Jose State University Defender Diego Nieves (12) applies pressure to CSUN Midfielder Justin Sosa (3) during the Matadors 7th game of the season against San Jose State University on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 in Northridge, Calif. The game ended 1-0 with San Jose taking home the win. (Blake Fagan)

Matadors midfielder Justin Sosa and forwards Adrian Jones and Sebastian Fuentes each attempted shots on goal during the first 20 minutes but were unsuccessful.

“They [San Jose State] exploited some things that we didn’t do well and it’s basically our fault,” said CSUN men’s soccer head coach Terry Davilla. “The bottom line is that we weren’t ready at the start when they got that free kick.”

Things heated up in the second half with several yellow cards being thrown out on the field, including two red cards that reduced both teams to 10 players. Wicks of the Matadors received a red card at the 63rd minute, while Spartans forward Jordi Tortell Daly got one at the 79th minute, with both players committing fouls that made the game very chippy for both sides.

CSUN Forward Kayvon Monfared (24) controls the ball as San Jose player surround him during the Matadors 7th game of the season against San Jose State University on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 in Northridge, Calif. The game ended 1-0 with San Jose taking home the win. (Blake Fagan)

Within the last few moments of the game, Fuentes had two late opportunities in the 82nd minute, but both attempts were saved by Spartan goalkeeper Ronin Axelson. Sosa then had a shot blocked in the 86th minute before forward Kayvon Monfared sent a final scoring attempt slightly too high in the 89th minute. Matador goalkeeper Dorian Drucks finished with four saves for the Matadors, while Axelson recorded eight saves for San José State.

“We have to get a little more quality and more effectiveness and get better organized defensively,” said Davila.

The CSUN men’s soccer team will be facing off against Grand Canyon University Sunday, Sept. 20, before their first Big West conference game against Cal State Bakersfield on Wednesday, Sept. 30, with both games kicking off at 7 p.m. and streaming on ESPN+.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly listed the name of a player in the photo caption. The issue was corrected on Sept. 21, 2026.