Oscar Frias-Rivera (oscar_frias408) – Spear Reporter
SJSU women’s soccer defeated New Mexico 4-2 in penalties on Wednesday night and will advance to the Mountain West Championship.
The Lobos came out to play, dominating the entire match shooting 30 times against the Spartans over just two shots by SJSU.
In the first half, New Mexico held 80 percent of possession compared to SJSU. The Spartans struggled to shoot, but they managed to hold the Lobos’ attack the entire first half.
The Lobos were again stymied by SJSU’s defense in the second half. Freshman goalkeeper Bente Pernot blocked nine shots in the second half alone.
With Pernot saving strikes and the Spartans not able to capitalize with an attempt of their own, they had to hold on to go to extra time.
New Mexico managed to get an additional two cracks at the goal per period in extra time, compared to the Spartans’ zero.
This benefited the Spartans after a hard-fought defensive battle to take it to penalties.
The Lobos were up first. Their initial strike of the penalty shootout traveled towards the bottom right side of the goal frame but was blocked by Pernot.
Next up, Spartans’ senior midfielder Sabrina Weinman. She proceeded to score the penalty giving them an 1-0 early lead.
New Mexico’s second effort was made by senior defensive back Karlee Maes, tying the shootout. The Spartans’ Pernot was up to shoot next and converted the strike towards the bottom left corner of the goal, taking a 2-1 lead.
The Lobos’ third attempt was also good to keep the game tied. SJSU senior midfielder Kiana Miyazato made the third goal for SJSU.
Pernot made a nice save on the New Mexico’s fourth attempt, leaving it all up to sophomore forward Bella Flocchini to secure the win.
Flocchini scored the final goal winning and sending SJSU to the championship game. The team celebrated running around the field together and jumping with joy towards the final to come.
Pernot was SJSU’s key player of the match after she blocked two penalty shots and every other shot in regulation, even scoring her own penalty shot.
“In PKs, I don’t think we can be more confident with her in goal than her … just so incredibly proud in her and the whole team,” said head coach Tina Estrada.
The Spartans will go up against Wyoming for the Mountain West championship on Saturday in New Mexico at 5 p.m.