By Hugo Vera — Staff Writer
The San Jose State University women’s soccer team took down the No.1 seed Boise State in the Mountain West Conference semifinals in penalty kick (4-3) to advance to Saturday’s championship game.
The Spartans will host No. 3 seed New Mexico in the finals, where the team previously defeated the Lobos 1-0 on Sept. 30.
In the 21st minute, Broncos’ senior defender Addison Standlee headed the ball past Spartans’ senior goalkeeper Paige Simoneau to score the opening goal of the match and put the Broncos ahead 1-0. The goal was assisted by senior defender Allegra Weeks.
Both teams scrambled for field coverage directly outside the Broncos’ goal box in the 42nd minute.
A handball was called on the Broncos’ defense which then led to a successful penalty kick goal from junior midfielder Gabriela Herrera in the 43rd minute. This was the Spartans first penalty kick of the season as well as Herrera’s first goal all year.
“I think our team came out prepared. We came out knowing we were playing the number one seed and we knew it was going to be a tight race,” Herrera said. “[The 43rd minute goal] definitely lifted our spirits. It gave us the confidence boost we needed to push through and keep fighting.”
The call that produced the equalizing goal was celebrated by Spartans fans in attendance but was furiously contested by a vocal and animated Broncos head coach Jim Thomas.
Boise State’s offense picked up steam yet again when Broncos’ junior forward Raimee Sherle attempted a shot on goal that was blocked by Simoneau. The jump-block in the 83rd minute got the Spartans’ crowd fired up.
In the 90th minute, Spartans’ freshman defender Hannah Mathews headed a ball past Fisher that ricocheted off the left goal post and out of play to end regulation.
The game proceeded with two 10 minute overtime sessions to settle who would face New Mexico come Saturday night. After both teams failed to score in double overtime, the match went to penalty kicks.
During the shootout, the Spartans found themselves down early as junior defender Carlie James missed the team’s second attempt over the crossbar.
The Broncos would miss their third attempt and Spartans’ sophomore forward Gabriella Hurtado would convert the team’s fourth attempt to even up the shootout 3-3.
After Franklin capitalized on her goal, putting the Spartans up 4-3, and with game hanging in the balance Simoneau blocked the final two shots from Broncos’ junior forward Kristina Serres and junior midfielder Mikayla Schachtell to send the Spartans to the conference final on Saturday.
“We knew we were not going to lose this game,” Simoneau said. “We made sure to come in respecting [Boise State], not fearing them. We had that confidence and we came through.”
Head coach Lauren Hanson then shared her thoughts on the team’s win to knock out the top seeded Broncos..
“I’m speechless. The way our players played tonight, just so much heart it’s inspiring,” Hanson said.
The Spartans will have a NCAA tournament berth on the line when they take on New Mexico in the Mountain West Conference tournament championship on Saturday with first kick at 7 p.m. at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
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