Gerardo Gonzalez (@GerardoG209) – Soccer Beat Reporter
San Jose State women’s soccer (8-6-5, 6-3-2 MW) defeated Colorado College (7-7-5, 4-3-4 MW) 1-0 in New Mexico on Sunday night.
The Spartans were unable to secure one of the top two spots in the Mountain West standings, forcing SJSU to travel on the road three days after their season ended to face the Tigers.
SJSU started the match strong, attacking the opposing goal with nine shots. The Spartans held complete dominance of possession throughout the first 45 minutes.
Freshman goalkeeper Bente Pernot had a stress free first half as she saw zero shots kicked against her. However, the Spartans were not efficient enough to break the deadlock.
In the second half, the match evened out with Colorado College getting four shots on goal. SJSU continued to knock on the door, showing its aggressiveness with 11 shots.
In the 76th minute, sophomore midfielder Taylor Phillips had a spectacular curler that traveled inside the left post to put SJSU ahead 1-0.
Colorado College was nowhere to be found in the last 10 minutes of the game. The Spartans would leave Albuquerque with a win and move on to the next round.
Pernot now has six shutouts this season, placing in her in the top four in the Mountain West in shutouts.
SJSU also had multiple players win end of the year awards. Freshman goalkeeper Pernot and freshman midfielder Tatiana Cunningham both made the Mountain West All-Newcomer Team.
Fifth year defender Jada Wilson won Mountain West Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Year on Sunday. She helped the defense with its six shutouts and seven goals allowed in the regular season.
San Jose State women’s soccer will now face No. 2 New Mexico in the semifinal matchup of the Mountain West Championship tournament on Wednesday at 6 p.m.