By: Jasmina Lara (@lara_jasmina06) – Spear Reporter- SJSU freshman defender Alexis Dueker controlling the ball against Air Force (Photo by Gabriella Kelly- Spear Photographer)
San Jose State women’s soccer (1-12-3, 0-3-5 MW) were defeated 4-2 against Air Force (7-6-3, 5-2-1 MW) for senior night on Thursday.
The Falcons swooped in with a strong offensive attack in the first half that left the Spartans behind.
Taking the lead in the first eight minutes, freshman forward AJ Heap passed across to junior defender/midfielder Lauren Steinlage passed the ball through the gaps of the backline to sophomore defender/midfielder Annika Jost who scored left of net.
The Spartans midfield prevented the Falcons from having control of the midfield, forcing them to use the edges.
“Playing simple, staying composed, there was quite a technical team and even despite that we were able to switch the ball and point of attack,” freshman midfielder Mercedes Cioffi said.
A clash between Cioffi and junior midfielder Chase Borntreger in the box awarded Air Force a penalty kick.
Jost took the penalty and scored at the top right of goal, taking a two-goal lead and leaving the Spartans scoreless.
Capitalizing on her momentum, Air Force regained possession, allowing Jost a hat trick when receiving a pass in the box from freshman midfielder Sammi Kinoshita 3-0.
The Falcons were able to score one last time in the match when freshman striker Zahra Friess found the bottom right of the net.
Not giving up the fight the Spartans kept up their momentum even when the game looked scoreless.
“When we step onto the field, there has to be hunger and drive from the beginning to the end,” SJSU junior defender Leilani White said.
A spark started when a foul on Air Force was called, leading to Fry taking the free kick which had an own goal for Air Force giving SJSU their first goal on the board.
Staying hot on the momentum, Spartan freshman defender Gabrielle Germain took the ball down the right side of the field and crossed for her first career goal.
“Telling them you got to treat this game like it’s zero it doesn’t matter what the scoreline says. We came in and won the second half,” SJSU head coach Sonia Curvelo said.
With how the midfielders were playing them, Air Force pressured the right side to keep the Spartans at a disadvantage in that area.
Starting in the first half for the Spartans was senior goalkeeper Bente Pernot in net, but switched to sophomore goalkeeper Paige Fry for the second half.
The presence of the Spartan’s midfield control was seen throughout the match as they connected passes and slowed any momentum from the Falcons in that area.
SJSU through the first half and a little in the second half would not consistently pressure the top of the box.
However, a whole switch happened in the second half, as we saw the Spartan’s determination out on the field.
“They’re not putting their heads down. Trying to compete in every single game. They’re trying their best and as a coach it’s all I can ask for,” Curvelo said.
Continuing conference play on the road, SJSU faces Utah State at 11 a.m. this Sunday at the Chuck & Gloria Bell Soccer Field in Logan, UT.
