San Jose, Calif. - Solid play by a pair of freshmen, goalkeeper Emily Pryor and forward Mikaella Meibock, led the San Jose State women's soccer team (2-1-1) to a 1-0 non-conference victory over the University of the Pacific Tigers (0-4-0) Thursday night at Spartan Stadium.
The win was the Spartans' second consecutive shutout.
"Another shutout is very good and I am proud of our team," San Jose State head coach Jeff Leightman said. "We are showing that we have a mental fortitude that we did not have previously. It was not the prettiest soccer game in the world. But we knew coming in that this was going to be a war and a battle, and we survived it."
Through 45 minutes of scoreless play, Meibock was the Spartans' most offensive player. She took three shots of her team's eight shots, including a chance that banged off of the crossbar at the 24th minute.
Meibock's hard work paid off at the 56-minute mark. Teammate Megan Molina was awarded a corner kick and after directing the ball to the net, Meibock got the ball past goaltender Tashia Long off of a pass from senior Helen Phan. Meibock's game-winner was her third goal in two games.
"Mikaella (Meibock) played and combined well tonight. We are always going to get creativity, tactical sophistication, and goal-scoring from her, and that is what we want from our forwards."
Pryor's six-save performance was also key to the victory.
"Emily (Pryor) managed the game well and that is what we were looking for from her," said Leightman. "As a team, Pacific tries to test the keeper and I thought Emily was patient and did not make any mistakes. She was very solid tonight."
The Spartans and Tigers finished the game with 10 shots each, but San Jose State had a 6-to-4 advantage in shots on goal.
Leightman was also impressed with the play of Molina. "Molina has been one of our best players, if not our best player, this year," said the Spartans' head coach. "She is super fit and makes an impact in the game. Outside back is such a wonderful position but it is a hard position. To be able to impact the game from that spot is commendable. Megan makes a difference each and every game."
The Spartans' next game is Sunday, September 2, when they take on the UC Davis Aggies for a 1:00 p.m. non-conference match.