By Briannah McGee – Spear Reporter | Spartans freshman defender Sophia Daily strikes an on target but shot was blocked late in the match. (Photo courtesy of SJSU Athletics)
San Jose State women’s soccer (0-2-0, 0-0 MW) fell 1-0 to UC Santa Barbara (2-0-0) on Friday.
UCSB ended victorious with a late goal in the 87th minute from the Gauchos’ senior forward Hayden Halscheid. The goal was initially ruled a “no-Goal” by the referees for an offsides call, but after review, the call was reversed and UCSB were awarded the goal.
SJSU had one final opportunity in the closing seconds, but the shot was blocked.
Freshman defender Sophia Daily led the Spartans offensively, recording a team-high 5 shots in 52 minutes. All 5 attempts came in the second half, with one on target.
With five shots in the match, Daily became the first SJSU freshman to reach that mark since Tatiana Cunningham recorded five against the University of Nevada on Sept. 29, 2022.
Despite the loss, SJSU head coach Sonia Curvelo said she sees progress from her team.
“The pieces are coming together. I know it’s a very disappointing loss for our group. I know they’re upset with this result,” Curvelo said.
SJSU controlled much of the second half, outshooting UCSB 10-5 after being outshot 2-1 in the opening 45 minutes.
Spartans junior forward Indigo Sims created an early opportunity just 20 seconds into the second half, forcing a diving save from the Gauchos goalkeeper Maddie Buckley.
Spartans junior goalkeeper Paige Fry recorded 2 saves, including a stop in the 32nd minute and a punch-away in the 51st minute.
Freshman defender Aria Burrola and redshirt freshman defender Alexi Ames made their first career starts, with each defender playing the full 90 minutes.
The Spartans return to action at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, against Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
