SJSU women’s soccer head coach Tina Estrada leads the SJSU women’s soccer in a team huddle chant | l Photo via SJSU Athletics
By Vincent Rupena – Spear Reporter
San Jose State women’s soccer (0-2-2) continues its slow start to the 2024 season with a draw against Northeastern (0-1-2) on Sunday at Spartan Soccer Complex.
The Spartans are still winless on the season heavily due to offensive struggles.
Recording a total of 16 shots SJSU has beat its opponents shot count for the third-straight game. The Spartans have not been able to capitalize on opportunities despite being able to find looks at the goal.
“We gotta put it away,” SJSU head coach Tina Estrada said. “We are knocking at the door and as soon as we get it in, that door is gonna be wide open.”
Senior forward Kennedy Mayo was the bright spot for the Spartans.
Mayo was breaking away with a pass from senior defender Jordan Rowell when she was fouled after colliding with multiple Husky defenders. Mayo powered home the resulting penalty kick for SJSU’s one and only goal of the match.
Coming into this season, Mayo was the primary option in the Spartan offense. It is the second time this season she has led the team in shots.
“That’s my job as a forward – to pressure the defenders and that’s what I have to do for this team,” Mayo said.
Another crucial performance for SJSU came from junior goalkeeper Bente Pernot, recording three saves and only giving up the game-tying goal.
A shot attempt from Northeastern junior forward Lauren Ahles was heading for the bottom right side of the goal but Pernot dived to swat the ball away. Her final save came while the game was tied 1-1.
The one goal that Pernot let through was the result of a miscommunication.
Another piece of confusion on the field was between Pernot and senior defender Kayla Fortenberry. This led to Fortenberry missing a kick that intended to clear the ball. The ball was instead stolen by Northeastern forward Lughano Nyondo who then made the easy goal.
It was Fortenberry’s first game in the starting lineup. She was filling in for starting center back Kyah Coady who was out due to injury.
“The back line’s performance was fine, not as sharp,” Estrada said. “We’ll have a whole new back line coming again on Thursday.”
The Spartans will look to bounce back in their first road match against California Baptist scheduled for 7 p.m. on Aug. 29 at CBU Soccer Stadium.
