By: Jasmina Lara (@lara_jasmina06) – Spear Reporter- SJSU sophomore defender Charlotte Memoly taking a free kick. (Photo by Cassandra Washington- Spear photographer)
San Jose State (1-6-0) women’s soccer fell short in their attack against Sacramento State (3-4-0) 4-2 on Sunday.
With 23 shots and seven on target, the Spartans reached the most shots taken by the team since Oct. 26, 2018 against Fresno State.
Starting off with a strong attack, the Hornets led with the first shot by redshirt sophomore forward Candace Ching that was saved by Spartan’s sophomore goalkeeper Paige Fry.
This momentum led to back-to-back corner kicks which led Sacramento State to score at the bottom left of the goal, leading 1-0.
The Spartans did not let that stop them from building momentum on their offensive attack and keeping pressure on the Hornets.
Junior forward Paige Pineda-Aliamus shot at the bottom center of the Hornets net. However, it was saved by goalkeeper redshirt junior Izzy Palmatier.
Trying to make something happen, freshman forward Maryam Ladkani received a through pass and took the opportunity to shoot but it was off target.
Hornets junior forward Lexie Schroeder shot at the bottom center of the net which was saved by Fry.
The pressure by Hornets led to sophomore defender Jaety Mandaquit to score a header at top left of goal with an assist by Schroeder to extend their lead 2-0.
SJSU, not letting this affect their attack game, kept the pressure of creating opportunities with two shots at goal back-to-back.
The drive finally led to Spartans freshman midfielder Amaya Cabraels-Estrada to score her first career goal with an assist by junior forward Leslie Jacobo-Duran, recording her first career assist.
Leaving the score 2-1 towards the end of the first half.
“I thought we played a great build up to lead to that goal.” SJSU head coach Sonia Curvelo said. “And very confident on the ball to be able to put that finish away.”
Coming in hot in the second half, the Hornets junior midfielder Ellie Farber scored a header from an assist by teammate junior midfielder Tea Reyes to retake their two goal lead.
A game of possession between both teams up until the 71 minute when Hornets sophomore forward Tierra Pickell scored at the top center of the goal with an assist by teammate junior forward Micaela Romo making it a three goal lead.
Not throwing in the towel just yet, the Spartans struck back as Pineda-Aliamus scored off a pass from junior midfielder Lily Montesinos, the first assist of her career.
Making the match a two game lead again.
Throughout the half, both teams played a game of possession and locking each other down and preventing any opportunities.
“We just have to build from here. I know we gave up seven goals in the last two matches.” Curvelo said. “We have to relook at just the backline you know, getting them more experience and just looking at different things as well.”
San Jose State faces Cal St. Fullerton at 5 p.m on Thursday in Fullerton, Calif. in hopes to break a four game losing streak.
