SAN FRANCISCO – The University of San Francisco men's soccer team made its debut under the leadership of first year head coach Chris Brown on Wednesday evening hosting defending Western Athletic Conference champions San Jose State. The Dons battled, but fell 2-1 in the exhibition match at Negoesco Stadium.
 
USF dominated possession in their first action since the spring season, especially in the middle of the field. However, it was break down on SJSU's set pieces that led to a pair of goals by the Spartans, the game winner coming in the 51^st minute.
 
The Spartans, who were playing their second exhibition match of the season, struck first in the 18^th minute when Joel Garcia knocked home a header off the free kick by Max Allen. Allen took the free kick from just outside the penalty box on the far sideline.
 
The Dons had their opportunities, especially on the counter. Forward Nonso Adimabua had several long runs deep in to the opposition's territory, but nothing came to fruition. Eventually in the 35^th minute Arjan Dosanjh knocked home the equalizer when he corralled the loose ball in the box and sent it to the lower right corner of the goal.
 
The two sides went into intermission knotted up 1-1, though USF had a clear advantage in shots and shots on goal. The Dons finished the opening half with six shots with three on target. Adimabua accounted for three and Jack Boccuzzi had two.
 
Brandon Keniston started the evening in goal for USF, he allowed just the one goal and did not record a save. USF's defense in the opening half was stingy, allowing just two shots with the one goal off the set piece.
 
Out of the break, the Spartans took the lead for good in the 51^st minute when Willy Miranda blasted a header off the cross from Omar Lemus for the game winning goal.
 
USF had its chance for a second game tying goal when Dosanjh had a chip shot sail high over the bar inside the six yard box.
 
The Dons will return to action on Friday when they travel across the Bay Bridge to take on California in Berkeley. Friday's match is slated for a 1:00 p.m. start.