RIVERSIDE, Calif. – SJSU women's soccer was unable to overcome an early deficit on the road at undefeated UC Riverside, falling 1-0 in yet another close, one-score match. Three of the Spartans' four losses have been by just one goal.
"This was a hard-fought match and one that I think we can grow from," head coach Lauren Hanson said.
The Spartans were held in check offensively for the majority of the match, attempting just four shots, two on-target. Three of those shots, however, came in the second period with the final attempt coming in the final minute of the contest. Darriell Franklin sent one into the box looking to even things up with just 40 seconds on the clock, but her shot was corralled by Highlanders' goalkeeper Annie Bailey.
UC Riverside (7-0-1) attempted just eight shots of their own, but only their first proved true as Amanda Roy capitalized in the 12th minute off an assist from Darielle O'Brien from six yards out.
The Spartans held strong defensively for the remaining 78 minutes as Paige Simoneau tallied a pair of saves in the final 10 minutes to prevent further damage and give SJSU a chance for the tie.
With the loss, the Spartans wrap up their nonconference slate with a 1-4-2 record as they look forward to a four-game home stand to open MWC play beginning on Friday, September 21, against Colorado College.
