By Nick Orozco (@nickorozco03) – Co-Executive Editor | Senior Bella Flocchini in her kicking follow through making her penalty kick towards the corner of the net. (Photo by Nick Orozco)
San Jose State women’s soccer (0-7-3, 0-1-1 MW) was barely able to hold onto a game that was tied by Boise State (8-2-1, 0-1-1 MW) after having its shots doubled.
Boise State finished this matchup with 20 shots, five on goal and 15 corners. SJSU finished with eight shots, three on goal and two corners.
“I’m happy we were able to be ahead [score-wise at one point in the match] and I’m happy we limited their dangerous chances,” SJSU head coach Tina Estrada said.
The drama did not only come in shots by the opponents for the Spartans.
In the last ten minutes of play with the game being tied, senior defender Tasia Kravitz was given a red card that led to the Spartans being down a player.
“It was super unfortunate and I know she felt a weight on her after that,” senior defender Isabella Shallou-Enes said. “We couldn’t have been prouder of her in that moment, she did get that tackle.”
This is Kravitz’s first ejection of the year and Boise State took advantage of that. Following the ejection the Broncos launched a full-blown offensive attack, having five opportunities but no cigar.
“I’m glad our team adapted well,” senior goalkeeper Shayla Sugai said. “Even though we were down a player for a little bit, we were able to keep our composure and keep fighting.”
Boise State didn’t finish all so clean either. Despite the colors of the Broncos being blue and orange, they were covered in yellow.
The opponents drew five yellow cards and amassed 20 fouls against the Spartans. Twelve of which were in the second half.
Early in the second half, senior forward Bella Flocchini was fouled in the box and was awarded a penalty kick in the 53rd minute. Draining it in the bottom left corner for the lead of 1-0.
“To see [Flocchini] place it [her penalty kick] perfectly and wanting that one goal to keep us in the game was awesome,” Shallou-Enes said.
The Spartans were only able to hold onto that lead for 20 minutes as in the 74th the Broncos retaliated and scored. After a defensive miscommunication that led to Sugai being unable to grab the ball, fifth-year midfielder Morgan Padour took advantage and tied the game at 1-1 for the final.
“It’s incredible, it’s an incredible effort,” Estrada said. “We take a lot of good things from this game.”
The Spartans will face the Colorado State Rams in their next scheduled match on the road at 4 p.m. on Thursday at CSU Soccer Field.
