Oct. 2, 2015
San Jose, Calif. --- A Mountain West match which lasted nearly two and a half hours due to injury stoppages and overtime was ended when San Jose State's Mireya Wathen-Mayorga headed in the golden goal in the 99th minute to defeat Boise State, 2-1.
Courtney Elterman raced the ball from one end to the other down the right sideline, and crossed it into Wathen-Mayorga who headed in the game-winner with zero hesitation. The connection from freshman to senior gave the Spartans their first win at home in 2015, and vaulted SJSU to 3-0 in MW play. Elterman was credited with her first assist of the year.
"I'm very proud of the team," said Spartans' head coach Lauren Hanson. "I'm proud of them for showing the character come back and tie it, and then win it."
Less than 20 seconds into the second half Boise State's Brooke Heidemann broke a physical scoreless tie with a goal from nearly 30 yards out, which sailed over the outstretched hand of Spartans keeper Zoe Makrigiannis.
From there, the second half was drawn out by more physical play, which led to three yellow cards, and extended injury timeouts.
The Spartans, who outshot the Broncos 13-4, finally got one to hit the back of the net when Veronica Chung took a corner-kick cross in from the left and headed in the equalizer to make it 1-1. Maricruz Chapa, who checked in less than one minute prior to taking the corner kick, was given her second assist of the year.
"We played well and had great opportunities against a very good Boise State team," Hanson added. "Now we are looking to build off of each win, continue playing well and to stay focused for a full 90 minutes plus."
Friday's match was the fifth of the season to go into overtime, of which SJSU is 2-2-1 in. It was Wathen-Mayorga's first-career game-winner, and it extended San Jose State's active scoring streak to 14 matches.
Elterman and Darriell Franklin each put a shot on goal, while Carley McBeath put both of her shots on. Makrigiannis, made one save, and improves to 4-2-2 on the year.
San Jose State continues Mountain West play Sunday afternoon against Utah State. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. PT.