Vinny Caloiaro
Scores First Career Goal for the Dons
(San Jose, CA) – USF closed out the non-conference portion
of the 2010 schedule with a disappointing 2-1 loss at ancient Bay
Area rival San Jose State. The Dons (2-4-1) led for much of the
match, but the Spartans (6-3-0) scored twice in the closing minutes
of the match to secure a weekend split against West Coast
Conference foes after falling 2-1 at Santa Clara on Friday.
San Francisco opened the scoring in the 23rd minute as sophomore
midfielder and San Jose native Vinny Caloiaro collected his first
career goal. Senior defender Rafai Eddy won a
tackle on the near side and found a streaking Caloiaro down the far
side. The former Mitty star won the one on one battle against the
keeper striking a shot to the far post.
San Francisco held a 6-5 shots edge in the first half. Caloiaro
and freshman midfielder Vergard
Karlsen each fired a pair of shots to pace the Dons. Both of
Karlsen's attempts were on frame.
USF held its lead until the 86th minute when San Jose State
answered with a pair of strikes within 90 seconds to take a 2-1
lead. The Spartans got the equalizer from Josh Bemecke on a failed
clearance in a mad scramble in the box and Stephen Cordova found
pay dirt 1:14 later knocking in a shot from five yards from the far
post.
"I thought that after we scored the goal we did a pretty good job
of controlling the game, but by the same token, San Jose State had
quite a few chances," USF head coach Erik Visser said. "We were
confident we could close the game out, but San Jose State continued
to attack, put the ball in the box and we had some missed
assignments. Within one minute they scored two quick goals."
San Jose State was clearly the aggressor in the second half and
held a whopping 18-8 shot advantage. The Dons managed just two
shots in the final 45 minutes.
"It's disappointing we weren't able to close a game out, because I
think we played well enough to win the game, but that's part of
it," Visser said. "We have to learn, in conference especially, how
to close out the tight games. I want to give a lot of credit to San
Jose State. They never gave up. We need to learn how to close games
out and develop more of a killer instinct."
Freshman goalkeeper Jojo Vitale (1-1-0)
suffered the loss for the Dons and made five saves on 18 shots.
Jonathan Lester collected the victory and corralled four saves in
the process.
USF opens WCC play when it opens a three-match homestand beginning
Friday, October 1 against Loyola Marymount. Match time against the
Lions is set for 7:00 PM at Negoesco Stadium. Live streaming video
will be available via USFDons.com courtesy of Yahoo Broadcast.
