By Aikman Fang (@aikmanfang) – Spear Reporter
San Jose State women’s soccer (2-4-4, 1-1-1 MW) fell short to Nevada (2-5-3, 1-1-1 MW) 1-0 on Thursday night.
Nevada would start the match aggressively with three shot attempts in the first 10 minutes. SJSU freshman goalkeeper Bente Pernot earned her first save of the match within the first minute. Pernot would finish the match with five saves.
Nevada would take the lead thanks to sophomore forward Emily Rich’s goal in the 24th minute, her third goal this season.
Despite trailing, the Spartans outshot the Wolf Pack 13-7 at the end of the first half. The Wolf Pack had the momentum early on, thanks to fifth-year goalkeeper Kendall Stovall with her six saves at the intermission. Stovall would end the match with 12 total saves and her 12th career shutout, one shy of Nevada’s career shutout record.
The Spartans came out in the second half with increased intensity on defense, holding the Wolf Pack to only three shot attempts for the rest of the match.
However, the Spartans still could not muster a goal against Nevada, even though the Spartans attempted 14 shots in the second half. Sophomore forward Bella Flocchini, sophomore midfielder Taylor Phillips, and freshman midfielder Tatiana Cunningham all finished the night with five shots. Cunningham led the Spartans with three shots on goal.
“Unfortunately, soccer is a bit unforgiving sometimes, we have a moment… they had two shots on goal, and one of them goes in,” head coach Tina Estrada reflected after the game.
SJSU drops down to a tie for fourth in the Mountain West standings with five other teams.
The Spartans look to bounce back on Sunday, as they host the UNLV Rebels on Sunday, Oct. 2 at the Spartan Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 AM