By Sara Biela — Content Editor
After claiming the Mountain West Conference title, San Jose State women’s soccer advances to the NCAA Championship and will face No. 2 UCLA in the first round on Friday.
The Spartans (9-6-6) have a difficult challenge ahead as they’re going to take on of the top women’s soccer programs in the nation.
Among a dominate Bruins (14-3-1) offense is forward Ashley Sanchez. The sophomore leads her team with eight goals and assists, and is ranked second in the PAC-12 with 38 shots on goal.
As a whole, UCLA has netted 44 goals, which ranked fourth in the PAC-12.
This will be the toughest game yet for Spartan goalkeeper Paige Simoneau. The MW tournament MVP and two-time MW Defensive Player of the Week will look to shut down the offensive powerhouse.
The senior led the MW with 11 shutouts in 20 contests and only allowed 13 goals, which was the fewest in the conference. During that span, she made 63 saves.
As for her opponent, Bruins goalkeeper Teagan Micah gave up 10 goals in 13 appearances, which ranked third in the PAC-12. The junior from Australia made 35 saves for an impressive 9-1-1 record.
The SJSU offense will seek to execute against Micah on any opportunity given.
Defender Haleigh Wynne scored the lone goal in the MW Championship game against New Mexico.
The freshman’s performance in the MW tournament will aid to SJSU’s momentum in Los Angeles.
Other Spartans that will be threats on the field are junior and senior forwards Jamilecxth Becerra and Darriell Franklin.
Becerra led the team with five goals, while Franklin and Wynne racked up three game-winning goals a piece.
The squad has little room for error, so it’ll be important for it to maintain control and create scoring chances the entire 90 minutes of play.
The game starts at 6 p.m.
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