By Sara Biela – Content Editor
After defeating Fresno State in the first round of the Mountain West Tournament, San Jose State women’s soccer will now take on No. 1 seed Boise State in the semifinals on Thursday.
The Spartans (8-6-5, 6-2-3 MW) and Broncos (13-4-2, 7-2-2 MW) tied in a scoreless draw in the previous meeting on Oct. 21.
A key component for SJSU to focus on is to tame BSU’s aggressive offense, especially leading scorer Raimee Sherle. The junior forward has recorded 20 goals in 19 games.
The Spartans will also need to keep an eye on forward Kristina Serres. The junior has tallied seven assists with no goals, so she’ll be looking to make passes instead of putting shots on goal.
Paige Simoneau has been dominate in goal for SJSU all season and will look to continue that in this single-elimination match. The senior has only allowed 12 goals in 18 games, while making 52 saves.
While the Spartans are not known for being a high-scoring team, they know how to execute in crucial situations.
Forward Jamilecxth Becerra scored the game-winning goal against the Bulldogs on Tuesday night that advanced the team to the semifinals. Overall, the junior has a team-high five goals in 15 games.
The Spartan offense will have a tough task in getting chances through Bronco goalkeeper Tara Fisher.
In 19 games, 10 of them being shutouts, the senior has allowed 16 goals while recording 68 saves.
In its last three-game stretch, SJSU is 1-0-2 while BSU is 0-2-1.
This creates good momentum for the Spartans, while also having the advantage of playing on their home field. The team will have to apply the pressure and pounce on any opportunity given.
Kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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