By Carlos Reyes (@CarlosReyesSJ) – Spear Reporter
San Jose State women’s soccer (2-3-4, 1-0-1 MW) was able to end its winning drought this Sunday on the road against Colorado College (3-4-2, 0-1-1 MW), 1-0. SJSU looked for improvement after a scoreless tie against Air Force.
The first half was pretty frustrating for SJSU, as the team’s inefficiencies on goal continued throughout the early minutes of the match.
The Spartans closest attempt came in the 19th minute. Sophomore midfielder Taylor Phillips angled a shot towards the bottom left of the net, which was hastily saved by the Tigers’ senior goalkeeper Ally Wakeman.
Colorado College had a few good chances in the first half, but could only generate one shot on goal. A left-footed opportunity by sophomore midfielder Kaelin Woodruff in the 30th minute was stopped by SJSU freshman goalkeeper Bente Pernot.
SJSU would attempt to find the back of Wakeman’s net five times in the first half, but the seasoned goalkeeper stood her ground and put on a brilliant performance. Her heroics would deny SJSU the opportunity to open up the scoreline and end the half 0-0.
In the second half, sophomore midfielder Tiana Cello received a pass from Phillips, ran down the left side, and fired what appeared to be a cross into the box beyond the Tiger goalie. The ball ended up curling into the upper right corner of the net and marked the only goal of the match.
In the 57th minute, a Colorado College corner kick caused Pernot to sustain a right hand injury that required her to exit the game. Sophomore goalkeeper Autum Monty would be subbed on to replace her fallen teammate.
The Tigers desperately attempted to score the equalizing goal against Pernot’s replacement, but fell short on every attempt.
SJSU’s hopes for a win were almost crushed when junior forward Shalom Prince‘s rocket in the 74th minute miraculously rattled off the crossbar.
Ultimately, the Spartans were able to hold off any further attacks and fully cement their 1-0 win over Colorado College.
“I thought our team did a really good job at staying together, being disciplined, and managing the game,” said SJSU head coach Tina Estrada after the game on Twitter.
SJSU women’s soccer gets set to take on Nevada in San Jose, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.