By Oscar Benitez (@OscarB006) – Spear Reporter l Sophomore goalkeeper Paige Fry making a big save in her match vs New Mexico on Oct. 2. (Photo by Mohammad Najimi – Spear photographer)
The San Jose State women’s soccer team (1-7-3, 0-0-3 MW) matched up against the New Mexico Lobos (5-2-3, 1-0-1 MW) on Thursday night, earning a crucial point against a conference rival.
The Spartans were under constant pressure the entirety of the match, conceding 32 shots, but only allowing a single goal. The defensive effort was led by goalkeeper sophomore Paige Fry, who put out one of the standout performances of the season.
Fry finished the match with six saves, including the highlight of the match in the ninth minute when she denied New Mexico an early lead by saving a penalty by diving to her left.
“Something in me just told me to dive left,” Fry said after the game.“I like to remember that there’s more pressure on the striker than there is on me.”
Her calmness has been evident all season. Since transferring from Sam Houston State, Fry has become an irreplaceable part of head coach Sonia Curvelo’s starting 11. In only eight games, Fry has already racked up 54 saves, which has helped the Spartans stay competitive in many matches.
Curvelo praised Fry’s growth on and off the field, and gave her credit for the energy she brings to this squad.
“One of the best things about her is she’s confident, she’s going to be focused and concentrated, and I am so proud of her as a keeper and a person,” Curvelo said. “It is great being able to still coach her at San Jose.”
This draw showcased resilience against one of the conference’s stronger teams, and while the Spartans continue to work on putting together a complete performance, the match today against one of the conference’s strongest could be a turning point.
SJSU returns to action at noon Sunday against Grand Canyon at the Spartan Soccer Complex, looking to build on Fry’s momentum and turn this hard earned point into victories.
