No. 1 SAN JOSE STATE EDGES No. 4 SAN DIEGO STATE, 2-1, TO ADVANCE
Frank Sanfilippo and Frank Mata each recorded their first goals of the season to lead San Jose State to a 2-1 victory over San Diego State in the semifinal round of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Tournament, Friday evening at Hornet Soccer Field. The match was the second of a semifinal doubleheader at Sacramento State.The Spartans, who entered the tournament with the No. 1 seed, improved their record to 11-6-2. No. 4 San Diego State, which defeated No. 5 Sacramento State (3-1) on Thursday, ends its 2003 season at 8-8-3.
San Jose State got on the board first in the 38th minute when Sanfilippo connected with Matta for a goal from the right side of the Aztec goal.
The Spartans increased their lead to 2-0 in the 54th minute after Mata connected from the left side after a lead pass by Johnny Gonzalez.
San Diego State answered right back in the 55th minute when Raul Baptiste found the back of the net off an assist by Kenny Fechner.
San Jose State goalkeeper Tyler Tratten finished with a match-high four saves to earn the victory.
The Spartans will face No. 2 New Mexico in the MPSF Championship match at Hornet Soccer Field on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. The Lobos reached the finals after a 5-1 win over No. 6 Air Force in game one of the semifinal doubleheader. The winner of the match will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 21.
