Sept. 28, 2014
San Jose, Calif. - Darlene Rodriguez picked the perfect time for her first career goal as the San Jose State women's soccer team fought for a 1-1 draw against New Mexico Sunday at Spartan Soccer Field.
In the 30th minute the Lobos went after goalkeeper Zoe Makrigiannis after a saved Dylann O'Connor shot. Makrigiannis could not control the shot as the ball deflected off her hands and into the foot of Cassie Hanson to give the Lobos the advantage.
Entering the match the Spartans had not allowed a second half goal in its previous five matches. That defensive effort came in handy this time for San Jose.
"Zoe [Makrigiannis] came up big for our program again," said head coach Lauren Hanson. "Once our captain went down (Rachel Docherty), and being that she was out of the game our team stepped it up. Still we can't start games the way we started, and we need to play better. Its just a matter of consistency."
After controlling possession for majority of the second half, Rodriguez was in perfect position after a blocked Alexis Venegas shot. The junior placed a perfect ball into the upper right corner of the net to beat the Lobo goalkeeper for the match equalizer.
"The ball came out and I trapped it with my right foot, one touched it in front of me and I just took a shot at it and it happened to go in," said Rodriguez on her first career goal and the match equalizer. "We were down, but we still pushed through. We fought and leading up to that goal we were working hard, and that allowed me to get that opportunity."
In extra time, New Mexico outshot San Jose, 4-2, but Makrigiannis remained strong in net for the Spartans making pivotal saves as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
San Jose State will head to Nevada for a couple of matches beginning on Friday, Oct. 3 at Nevada and Sunday, Oct. 5 at UNLV. Match time against Nevada is slated for 7 p.m. while Sunday's match with the rebels is scheduled for a 10:30 a.m. start time.
Spartan fans don't forget to follow the team on Twitter (@sjsusoccer) and Instagram (@sjsusoccer) and remember to like the Spartans on Facebook.
Game Notes: San Jose State has not allowed a second half goal in six consecutive matches … Makrigiannis made seven saves in the match, the most for her this season.
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