BOISE, Idaho – The battle between two of the top defenses in the Mountain West lived up to the hype as San Jose State women's soccer and Boise State played to a scoreless draw Sunday at Boas Field.
"For anyone that watched, that was an inspiring performance for our team today," head coach Lauren Hanson said. "We gained invaluable experience here that will carry us into the future."
The Spartans were rock solid on defense from start to finish as senior goalkeeper Paige Simoneau tallied another shutout, her school record ninth of the season. Simoneau made a trio of key saves, her last coming in the 104th minute of the second overtime period.
Boise State finished with nine shots taken to SJSU's eight, however none of which came off the foot of Bronco Raimee Sherle, who entered the match as the nation's leading scorer with 19 goals. The Spartans defensive backfield, led by Kristen Amarikwa, was outstanding in taking away opportunities from Sherle.
"To hold the nation's leading goal scorer to zero shots and get another shutout on the road against a tough Boise State team shows our team's character and that we are the top team defensively," Hanson said. "It was a true team effort today, but Kristen Amarikwa was first class at the back."
Freshman Hannah Mathews led the Spartans offensively with three shots taken, two on-goal. Her final shot came in the 92nd minute of overtime as she looked for the golden goal, however the shot was saved by Broncos' goalkeeper Tara Fisher, who finished with three saves on the afternoon.
With both teams earning a point in the draw, Boise State secured at least a share of the regular-season Mountain West title with 23 points while the Spartans are three points behind and tied with Wyoming and New Mexico for second in the standings with 20 points. SJSU will have one last chance to secure their place in the Mountain West Tournament and will look to lock up a first-round bye as they take on Fresno State on Friday, October 26, at 7:00 p.m. PT.
