SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San José State Spartans struck first with a goal in the 62nd minute against the #19-ranked Santa Clara, but in the Broncos responded twice in a five minute stretch and defeat SJSU 2-1 on Friday night in Spartan Soccer Complex.
With the season opener tied 0-0 in the second half, junior striker Jamilecxth Bererra took a pass from Jada Wilson on the right side of the box. In one touch, she turned a defender around, dribbled across the face of the goal and hammered a shot that beat Santa Clara keeper Melissa Lowder inside the far post for a 1-0 lead at the 61:05 mark. It was Becerra's first goal of the season and the first goal at night, under brand new the new lights in Spartan Soccer Complex.
San José State (0-1-0) held the lead for just over 10 minutes before the Broncos found the equalizer and then added to it.
Santa Clara's Maddy Gonzalez scored the first of her two goals with the clock at 71:44. She took a pass, dribbled around a defender, drove to the near post and scored to the far post. Less than five minutes later, at the 76:21 mark, she struck again. This time she took a pass from Maria Sanchez at the top of the 18, drove across the box and scored again inside the far post to make it a 2-1 game.
The Spartans had one last chance with eight seconds to play. San Jose State lined up for a free kick on the far right wing. Darriell Franklin served the ball in and across the front of the goal. Two Spartans were just inches from tucking it in at the far side of the goal, but were unable to connect on the equalizer.
For the match, senior keeper Paige Simoneau (0-1-0) stopped five of the seven Broncos' shots that reached her line. While offensively, Becerra and Natasha Harris led the Spartans with two shots apiece.
Santa Clara (1-0-0) out shot the Spartans 21-to-5. Maria Sanchez and DB Pridham lead their side with eight and four shots, respectively. In goal, Lowder (1-0-0) let in the only shot the Spartans put on frame against her.
San Jose State returns to action next Friday, August 24 on the road at Portland. The match against the Pilots is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.