SAN JOSE, Calif. - Head coach Adam Cooper has not been shy about giving young players opportunities to play throughout the non-conference schedule and he made another big move tonight by giving redshirt freshman Kolby Fish Sessions his first career start in goal against San Jose State. Sessions did not disappoint as he recorded a game high eight saves on the night and willed Saint Mary's to a scoreless draw to earn his first clean sheet of his collegiate career. The 0-0 tie went down as the Gaels third of the season as they are set to start WCC action next week in San Diego.   

FIRST HALF SMC 0-0 SJSU

The first half lacked action from both sides as the Gaels and Spartans combined for just six shots in the first 45 minutes. Sessions made a pair of necessary saves in the 22nd and 32nd minute to help keep the game scoreless. Saint Mary's had chances offensively but seemed to just be missing the final action as they only generated two shots in the half. 

Cooper would reward senior transfer Jackson Fyda as he made his second straight start alongside Fynn Allmon. Senior Cade Cowan would also make his first start of the season in the midfield alongside Bastian Toelhoej, Storm Schmidt Hollensted and BJ Ruzmir. Ruzmir made his second start of the season and was stout for the Gaels defensively helping kill numerous spells of possessions from the Spartans. Saint Mary's had a couple of set piece opportunities late in the half but the game would remain scoreless at the break. 

FINAL SMC 0-0 SJSU

The game would pick up in the second half as San Jose State registered 14 shots forcing six saves from Sessions. In the 59th minute, Sessions would push away a shot from the left edge of the 18-yard box after the attacking Spartan cut inside and had a shot on frame. Just minutes later, he would make an incredible goal line clearance from a Spartans corner kick and after the ball was cleared away Sessions would be mobbed by his teammates for the heroic effort. 

The Gaels would have their best chance of the match in the 68th minute as senior forward Jack Vestberg found himself one-on-one with the San Jose State keeper. Vestberg would fire a right footed shot low and to the near post but the Spartans keeper would get down quick enough to stop the shot and corral the rebound to end the threat. 

Sessions made another sure save in the 76th minute to help wrap up a stellar individual performance and preserve the 0-0 draw for the Gaels. Justin Sosa and Wade Muttitt would tally the other two shots for the Gaels as they recorded their third tie of the season.   

LOOKING AHEAD 

Saint Mary's improves to 1-4-3 overall as they wrap up their non-conference schedule in San Jose. WCC action will officially kickoff next week as the Gaels will head south to take on 15th ranked San Diego to open up conference play. The game is slated for Friday, September 28th at 7:00 PM and you can watch all the action live on ESPN+.

Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information. 

#GaelsRise