By Austin Turner – Staff Writer
In a game with five goals, 16 corner kicks and 26 shots, a penalty kick in the first overtime period was the difference as Wyoming edged out San Jose State women’s soccer 3-2 and spoiled senior day.
It was a subpar defensive performance for the Spartans (7-6-2, 6-2-0 MW). Senior goalkeeper Paige Simoneau let in three goals with just three saves. The Cowgirls (9-3-4, 4-2-2 MW) were able to get 11 shots off, with the three goals being the most SJSU has allowed all season.
“We just weren’t good enough defensively today,” said head coach Lauren Hanson.
On the other hand, the Spartan attack continued to improve its finishing. It was only the second match this season that they were able to score multiple goals. Even more surprisingly, this feat was accomplished while only having three shots on goal for the entire match.
The Spartans were able to score first with a goal from junior defender Kristen Amarikwa off of a corner kick in the 19th minute.
Wyoming freshman defender Savannah Warner responded with a goal of her own just six minutes later to tie it up at one.
SJSU’s leading goal-scorer, junior forward Jamilecxth Becerra, scored her fourth of the season on an incredible goal from 25-yards out to give the Spartans a 2-1 lead in the 51st minute.
“It felt great knowing that I can provide for my team when needed,” Becerra said.
It was all downhill from there for the Spartans. A goal off a blocked shot from Wyoming sophomore midfielder Summer Taube knotted the teams up in the 62ndminute.
The score remained 2-2 for the rest of regulation.
In overtime, it took the Cowgirls just three minutes to end the match. They were awarded a penalty kick after the Spartans committed a foul inside the box.
Wyoming senior midfielder Annika Clayton was able to capitalize on the crucial mistake and the Cowgirls were able to pull off the win.
“I think we didn’t come out with the energy we needed,” said sophomore forward Natasha Harris. “We were so focused on senior day and other things, and we didn’t put this game first.”
The Spartans fall to 6-2 in Mountain West Conference play, which is good for second behind Boise State, who won on Sunday to move to 7-0-1.
The two teams will meet next Sunday in a huge conference matchup, but not before the Spartans travel to Logan to take on the Utah State Aggies (2-12-1, 1-6-1 MW) on Friday.
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