Aikman Fang (@aikmanfang) – Spear Reporter
San Jose State women’s soccer (3-5-5, 2-2-2 MW) tied against New Mexico (4-3-6, 2-1-3 MW) 1-1 in Albuquerque on Sunday.
Coming into this match, SJSU led the all-time series 8-3-3 over New Mexico and held a 3-1-0 record in Albuquerque. The Spartans had won the last four regular season matches against the Lobos prior to this match.
The Lobos would start the match aggressively with senior forward Jadyn Edwards leading the pack. Edwards attempted six shots in the match, all of which were in the first half.
Three of Edwards’ shots were on target, but the first two were saved by Spartan freshman goalkeeper Bente Pernot.
The third time would be the charm, and Edwards would net the first goal of the match in the 37th minute off an assist from New Mexico senior defender Karlee Maes.
New Mexico would hold its 1-0 lead over SJSU into halftime.
SJSU women’s soccer evened up it 1-1 early in the second half with a header from junior midfielder Cynthia Flores in the 46th minute. The goal was generated from a precise corner kick by sophomore midfielder Taylor Phillips.
Defense would be the name of the game for the rest of the match, as neither the Spartans nor Lobos could find any separation on the scoreboard.
New Mexico still found ways to generate shot attempts but was stifled by SJSU’s defense. Both fifth-year centerback Jada Wilson and Pernot provided clutch stops toward the end of the match.
Pernot would end the match with six saves, and deny the potential game-winning goal in the final minute.
“It was a wonderful, fighting performance from our team today,” said SJSU head coach Tina Estrada.
SJSU women’s soccer returns home field for its next match against Utah St. on Oct. 13 at 7:00 p.m.