By Sara Biela – Content Editor
A goal from defender Haleigh Wynne proved to be enough as San Jose State women’s soccer clinched its third Mountain West conference title in four seasons in a 1-0 shutout over New Mexico.
The freshman scored her third goal of the season at 22:12 and led the Spartans to claim back-to-back MW championships.
“It was such a big moment for her,” head coach Lauren Hanson said. “It was so special to have her come up big for us.”
SJSU had a hard time keeping the ball out of its zone for the first 20 minutes of the game.
However, Wynne shifted the momentum to the Spartans with her goal midway through the first half. Senior forward Darriell Franklin was credited with the assist.
“I was super hyped,” Wynne said. “It definitely was a whole team effort, I could not of done it without [Franklin]. It was a big win for us and I’m super excited to move on.”
At halftime, the Spartans had the one-goal advantage. The Lobos combined for seven shots and five corner kicks.
UNM continued its aggressiveness all throughout the second half. The team had six shots, with three being on goal.
Thanks to a solid SJSU defense, the Spartans went on to win 1-0 and clinched a spot in the NCAA Finals.
“Defense wins championships,” Hanson said. “You go out and defend your tails off, get one goal and win the game … and here we are.”
Goalkeeper Paige Simoneau was awarded with the MW Tournament MVP honor.
The senior was a brick wall from start to finish. In Saturday’s title-clinching game, she recorded four saves and the shutout.
“It’s unreal that I got it,” Simoneau said. “My team did most of the hard work for me, but I feel amazing and super blessed to be here.”
The Spartans now advance to the NCAA Finals that will begin on Friday, with the selection draw taking place on Monday.
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