By: Jasmina Lara (@lara_jasmina06) – Spear Reporter | SJSU sophomore defender Charlotte Memoly taking a free kick against Grand Canyon on Oct. 5. (Photo by Diego Macaraeg- Spear Photographer)
San Jose State women’s soccer (1-9-3, 0-2-3 MW) was shut out 3-0 by Boise State University (5-3-6, 3-0-2 MW), the second-ranked team in the Mountain West Conference, on Thursday night.
The Broncos from the start controlled the possession forcing the Spartans to play defensively and only allowing a few opportunities to be created.
In the first minute of the game, Broncos sophomore midfielder Jillian Anderson took a shot at the bottom center of the net but was denied by sophomore goalkeeper Paige Fry.
The first yellow card of the match was to Fry when she tried to stop the ball from Broncos junior forward Asia Lawyer at the edge of the box.
The Spartans got a great opportunity, taking a shot at the top of the box from junior forward Daisy Torres who was off target.
At 22 minutes, putting the Broncos in the lead, redshirt senior forward Kenzie MacMillan broke through the defensive line and passed to Lawyer who scored.
The Broncos took advantage of their momentum taking a 2-0 lead as sophomore forward Sophie Schmautz scored at the bottom left of the net at 31 minutes, with Macmillian tallying her second assist of the match.
Despite the Broncos’ lead, the Spartans refused to back down as junior forward Paige Pineda-Aliamus, SJSU’s lead goal scorer, created an opportunity forcing a save from Boise freshman goalkeeper Ava de Leest.
A scare for SJSU as a foul on Torres was awarded to junior midfielder Cindy Conner for a free kick.
Macmillan took it but was blocked by freshman forward Maryam Ladkani, who was part of the wall.
In the second half, the Spartans came in with renewed energy as they tightened their defense and slowed the Broncos attack.
However, Boise extended their lead in the 61st minute when a corner kick was blocked and during the clean up freshman midfielder Madie Donovan found the bottom center of the net, 3-0.
“I thought the second half we played much better. We were able to create some chances but we’re not converting into goals. It makes a big difference.” SJSU head coach Sonia Curvelo said.
Throughout the match, the Spartans’ intensity never dwindled as they fought to stay in the match; nonetheless, time was not in their favor.
SJSU totaled 13 shots with eight on target while the Broncos had 19 shots with six on target.
Fry made three saves for SJSU and de Leest made seven for Boise State.
“I think the only thing that we can do is just really focus on recovery right now and look forward to the next game and do our best.” Curvelo said.
Continuing conference play back at home, SJSU faces San Diego State University at noon on Sunday at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
