Aug. 27, 2017
Missoula, Mont. --- The San Jose State women's soccer team allowed three goals in the first half and was unable to climb back in the 4-1 loss to Montana in the championship match of the Montana Cup.
"We lacked communication all over the field today and it showed in the result," said Spartans' head coach Lauren Hanson. "Soccer is a cruel game to learn from at times, but I believe this is a critical learning point for our team moving forward."
The Grizzlies (3-1-0) got on the board three times in the first half, striking in the 14th, 22nd and 38th minutes. Despite holding possession for most of the opening period, the Spartans (1-3-0) were unable to stop Montana in its attacking third.
The Spartans had a couple of nice chances to get on the board in the first half. Darriell Franklin hit Yvette Cuellar with a pass around 10 yards out and Cuellar's shot sailed just over the crossbar. Then in the 43rd minute Franklin sent a free kick in front of the net and SJSU had a couple of chances at a loose ball, but it was eventually cleared out by a Grizzlies defender.
Dorthe Hoppius broke through for San Jose State's only goal in the 57th minute. She took advantage of a Montana turnover near the top of the 18 and put a low shot past the Grizzlies' keeper. The goal gives Hoppius five points on the young season and 49 for her career. She moved ahead of Julie Brum (1997-2000) into fourth all-time on San Jose State's career points list.
The goal brought some momentum back SJSU's way, but it was taken right back by Montana in the 71st minute with a fourth goal by Taryn Miller. It is the first time since Sept. 20, 2015 (37 matches) in a 4-3 loss to CSUN which the Spartans have allowed four goals in a match.
SJSU outshot Montana 15-11, but eight of the Grizzlies' shots were on goal against six for the Spartans. San Jose State keeper Paige Simoneau made four saves.
The Spartans are back home on Friday, September 1, when they take on Rice beginning at 2:00 p.m. (PT). Tickets for the match can be purchased at the entry gate for the Spartan Soccer Complex or by contacting the Spartan Ticket office at 408-924-7589.