By Javier Velez — Staff Writer
San Jose State women’s soccer (7-8-4) will not get the opportunity to be back-to-back Mountain West champions as New Mexico (10-7-1) was able to capitalize on a mishap in overtime.
Junior forward Leilani Baker of the Lobos did not give up on the play and was able to find the back of the net in the 99th minute off a misplayed ball between two Spartans in the box.
Both overtime periods consist of 10-minute halves unless the “golden goal” is scored. The golden goal is the first goal allowed in overtime; resulting in the deciding goal of the match.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ariana Romero was a big contributor to the great defense display in the second half to send the game into overtime.
Romero ended the game with nine saves of the 10 shots on goal by the Lobos.
The physicality was on full display for the whole 99 minutes. The foul count was 19-14 in favor of New Mexico.
Close and physical games have been a trend in the last three meetings between the two teams.
The Lobos hosted the Spartans on Oct. 25 in which SJSU was able to shutout New Mexico, 2-0.
These two programs are no strangers to each other as they met in the 2018 Mountain West Tournament Finals, resulting in the Spartans winning 1-0.
New Mexico able to get their revenge on San Jose State and will be advancing to the semi-finals.
No. 4 New Mexico will take on No.1 Boise State this Thursday at 1 p.m.
Follow Javier on Twitter @JavyALVZ408