By Chris Estrada — Staff Writer
A fantastic season for the San Jose State women’s soccer team has come to an end with a loss in the first round of the NCAA tournament against No. 2 UCLA.
It was the third ever appearance for SJSU and first since 2015.
The Spartans came into the game allowing only 14 goals for the season. They allowed more than a third of that total Friday night alone.
UCLA thrived all season offensively putting up 44 goals compared to only 15 for the Spartans.
The Bruins had a game plan for the Spartans’ defense and exploited it all game long.
Through the first 45 minutes, the Spartans trailed 4-0. The Bruins outshot SJSU 14-1 in the half.
UCLA got on the board with a goal from Jessie Fleming in the 13th minute. Top Bruins scorer Ashley Sanchez, scored two goals of her own in the 18th and 32nd minutes to help break the game open.
In the second half, the Spartans were still unable to break through the UCLA defense only getting one shot in the 89th minute.
The defense did well to contain the Bruins’ offense in the second half, but UCLA was able to add to their lead with a penalty kick in the 48th minute.
The Bruins kept the Spartans’ defense busy all game long with 24 shots compared to only 2 for SJSU in the game.
Sophomores Gabriella Hurtado and Darrian Reed had the pair of SJSU’s shots.
Senior goalkeeper Paige Simoneau had a rough night in front of the net but still had nine saves.
It was the ninth game UCLA had scored at least three goals.
While this is not the way SJSU wanted to end its season, nothing should be taken away from its accomplishments.
The Spartans became Mountain West Champions with help from their backfield.
Forward Jamilecxth Becerra led the SJSU squad with five goals while senior Darriell Franklin and freshman Haleigh Wynne followed with three goals each.
SJSU’s.620 goals allowed average was the best in the Mountain West and 25th in the nation. Simoneau, the Mountain West tournament MVP, allowed only 13 goals all season with 11 shutouts.
Follow Chris on Twitter @estradadotc