Utah Tech University Athletics

Utah Tech remained winless in Mountain West Conference play after dropping a hard-fought 2-0 decision to visiting San Jose State on Thursday night at Greater Zion Stadium.

The two sides slugged their way through a scoreless opening 45 minutes, thanks in large part to stellar saves by Trailblazer netminder Luca Campoli on three rocketed Spartan shots. 

Utah Tech (1-10-2/0-4-1 MWC) registered two shots on goal of its own in the first half, but Spartan keeper Ronin Axelson turned away both chances.

The Blazers had a great look at the game's first goal with nearly four minutes gone in the second half when Griffin Valladares got behind the Spartan defense for a breakaway chance. However Axelson made the stop on the Valladares bender to keep the match scoreless.

SJSU (5-6-2/2-2-1 MWC) managed to break through in the 58^th-minute when Ryan Corcoran tucked in a rebound chance off a Spartan shot that Campoli initially deflected away. 

The Spartans extended to a two-goal advantage nearly 10 minutes later when Campoli stopped another Corcoran shot, but SJSU defender Tiko Moodie was there to chip in the carom. 

Utah Tech had a good look to cut the deficit in half in the 78^th-minute when midfielder Ben Joyner blasted shot to the far post, but Axelson made a diving stop to keep the Blazers off the board.

Then six minutes later, forward Diego Vazquez rocketed a top-shelf chance that just sailed over the left post. 

The Blazers were outshot 15-14 for the match, including a 9-5 count on goal. Campoli finished with seven saves on the night. 

Utah Tech will now begin a stretch that will see the Trailblazers play four of their final five Mountain West matches of the regular season on the road, starting with a date at long-time rival Grand Canyon in Phoenix this Sunday night at 8 p.m. (MT).