Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisMe) -Spear Reporter
Home field advantage helped San Jose State women’s soccer (1-3-3, 0-0-0 WC) get the dub over Eastern Washington (3-4-2, 0-0-0) 2-1. SJSU women’s soccer’s previous game was against University of the Pacific, where they tied 1-1 for the third game in a row.
First Half – Quick Start for SJSU women’s soccer
For the Spartans, they certainly couldn’t have gotten off to a much better start in the first half. Constant pressure and quick passing lead to SJSU women’s soccer keeping up the heat on a chilly night.
This quick start helped the Spartans get on the board with sophomore forward Bella Flocchini striking the ball into the left corner of the net. As the crowd continued to help the blue and gold keep up the solid play, Sabrina Weinman was all over the field.
With five shots on goal, Weinman would lead the team as she sprinted up and down the field.
Eastern Washington was really feeling the pressure as any fight through midfield, would end in Spartan’s defense getting the victory. It seemed like even the goalkeeper on Eastern Washington was feeling the heat as she tackled one of the players on SJSU, although no foul was awarded.
Smelling blood in the water, sophomore midfielder Taylor Phillips raced past everyone on Eastern Washington and scored. Shooting it off the far post and in past the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper.
All of this was before the 30-minute mark had even passed showing just how quick and potent SJSU’s offense was. It felt like the ball could barely make it past midfield, and even when it did it would get booted right back.
Second Half – SJSU Withstands Eagles Attack
At the beginning of the second half, Eastern Washington began with a new goalie, and what appeared to be a new attitude. Not too far into the second half, Eastern Washington’s junior midfielder Madison Kem would strike with a goal.
SJSU women’s soccer goalkeeper Bente Pernot appeared to get hurt on the play. Despite this, she would continue to play until being subbed out later on.
The second half would continue to be more of a chess match with few chances either way. Holding on as best they could the blue and gold’s defense held strong.
Finally, it came down to the final minutes as emphatically, Eastern Washington pushed with all their might. It would not be enough however as SJSU would hold on to win 2-1.
Freshman middle-fielder Tatiana Cunningham commented after the game, “This game it really was important cause like the last preseason game going into conference we just wanted to get a win and forget everything in the past.”
SJSU women’s soccer will have its first conference match at home against Air Force next Thursday, Sept. 22 at 4:30 pm.