Sept. 22, 2017
San Jose, Calif. --- The San Jose State women's soccer team was just minutes away from a tie against Utah State when sophomore newcomer Jamilecxth Becerra sent the fans at the Spartan Soccer Complex into a frenzy.
Off of a corner kick in the 105th minute Becerra blasted a header high and through the hands of Utah State's keeper to give the Spartans a 2-1 double-overtime victory in the Mountain West opener for both teams.
"As I saw it approach my head I just thought I have to get my head on it, and I did," Becerra said. "Everything was in slow motion and I just saw the ball go through the keeper's hands and I was so proud."
The goal gives San Jose State (4-4-0, 1-0-0 MW) three straight wins. As the ball hit the back of the net the Spartan bench stormed the field as did a massive group of San Jose State football student-athletes who hope to have a similar result against Utah State on Saturday.
"I can't really explain the feeling when that happened," said Becerra. "I was just so excited and so proud of my team. I was proud to have the opportunity to finish this one for my team."
The corner kick which led to the game-winner was a result of a diving save on Dorthe Hoppius' dangerous shot from outside the top of the 18 - one of a handful of threats by Hoppius in the match. Hoppius took a season-high 11 shots, putting four on goal.
Utah State (5-3-1, 0-1-0 MW) began the scoring in the 64th minute with a goal by Amber Marshall. Marshall cleaned up a lose ball in front of the net and put it past Spartans' keeper Paige Simoneau.
The 1-0 lead for the Aggies would last just 1:22 seconds of game time before Spartan freshman Kiara Parker put in the equalizer. Hoppius hit Parker with a short pass inside the box and it was finished with a low shot inside the right post. It was the first goal of Parker's collegiate career.
The Spartans finished with seasons highs of 24 total shots and nine shots on goal. Utah State keeper Sara Cobb made seven saves in the loss. Simoneau made all three of her saves for San Jose State in the second half on the way to her third straight win.
"It was a big win for us," said SJSU head coach Lauren Hanson. "Utah State is a great team in our conference and we have a lot of respect for them. It was a great game to watch as a fan and we're super thankful to the football team for their support today."
San Jose State concludes the weekend with a match against Boise State on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. (PT). The match is the first of a men's and women's doubleheader at the Spartan Soccer Complex.