SAN JOSE, Calif. – SJSU women's soccer took care of business at home in their 2018 Mountain West opener as the Spartans defeated Colorado College behind a standout performance by Darriell Franklin and another solid shutout by Paige Simoneau.
SJSU (2-4-2) came out aggressive on offense from the get-go, pushing the ball into Colorado College's territory early and often resulting in 10 shots taken in the opening 45 minutes. The Spartans found their first big scoring opportunity in the 18th minute as Jamilecxth Becerra got two cracks at the goal from inside the box, however the first attempt was blocked and the shot off the rebound sailed just high. In the 41st minute, the home team once again found a golden opportunity from inside the box, and this time they capitalized off the foot of Franklin.
Franklin, who tallied five shots alone in the first half, scored her first goal of the season on a soft shot from inside the box that just got over the goalkeeper's reach. The senior from La Habra, California was dominant in her 84 minutes, finishing with a game-high nine shots and three on-target.
Franklin just barely missed netting her second goal of the game in the 73rd minute as she corralled a blocked shot and sent it back screaming towards the top of the net, however it struck the crossbar.
Colorado College (4-3-0) nearly tied the game in the 58th minute, but was called for offsides after netting a goal from inside the box. Simoneau buckled down and was rock-steady the rest of the way, securing a pair of saves in the 10 shots faced. The senior from Corona, California now has four shutouts on the year.
The Spartans tallied 19 total shots with five on the mark. Becerra finished with four shots taken while Natasha Harris added two of her own.
With the win, SJSU holds a steady stream of momentum going into Sunday's match against Air Force. First kick is set for 12:00 p.m. PT at Spartan Soccer Field.
