SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose State women's soccer's 2019 season is here! The Spartans kick off the year this Thursday at home against Cal Poly. Before diving head first into the new season, take a look at how SJSU will line it up for sixth-year head coach Lauren Hansen in our position breakdown.
Forwards (9):
Returners – Jamilecxth Becerra, Jennifer Orozco, Bella Bowers, Bryanna Bartlett, Gabriella Hurtado.
Newcomers – Madison Toomer, Marjan Haydaree, Sylvia Sloss, Jennah Loggins, Izzy Shallou-Enes
Scouting Report:
Seniors Jamilecxth Becerra and Jennifer Orozco are both healthy for their final season and will lead the charge at forward in 2019. Becerra was last season's leading scorer with five goals and two assists for 12 total points. Orozco redshirted in 2018, but is back and ready to pick up where she left off in 2017 when she was named to the Mountain West All-Newcomer squad. Fellow returners Bella Bowers, Gabriella Hurtado and Bryanna Bartlett are also back. Hurtado drew 14 starts last season, including all but one in conference play. Bowers made six starts while Bartlett, who will split time between forward and defender, appeared in nine games in her freshman season. University of San Francisco transfer Sylvia Sloss leads a talented group of newcomers that will look to contribute in 2019.
What Coach Hanson says about the Forwards:
"We return some special players in the attack led by our leading goal scorer, Jamie Becerra, and redshirt senior Jenny Orozco. Jamie has a natural nose for the goal and Jenny is a dynamic attacker that is quick and dangerous. Along with those two, we have a mix of depth with returners and young talent, which is exciting to build off of."
Midfielders (8):
Returners – Hannah Hall, Natalia Nava, Darrian Reed, Bella Bowers, Gabriella Hurtado, Joanna Fernandez
Newcomers – Sabrina Weinman, Alexus Jackson, Alexis Brewah, Alison Gallant
Scouting Report:
Natalia Nava is the most experienced returner at the position, drawing 18 starts last season as a true freshmen. She will be relied on to carry the group that also returns Hannah Hall and Darrian Reed, in addition to Gabriella Hurtado and Bella Bowers, who will play multiple positions. Joanna Fernandez will make her collegiate debut after redshirting last season.
The midfield also receives a major boost this season with the addition of four newcomers. All four freshmen newcomers will be relied on to make an impact in 2019.
What Coach Hansen says about the Midfielders:
"We're excited about our midfield being a ball playing team this year and building off of our hard work in the spring!"
Defenders (9):
Returners - Kristen Amarikwa, Jada Wilson, Natasha Harris, Karlee Pottorff, Carlie James, Lauola Amanoni, Bryanna Bartlett
Newcomers - Phoebe Rapoza, Madison Toomer
Scouting Report:
Since Lauren Hansen took over the program in 2014, strong defense has been a constant and last season was no exception. The Spartans' backline was among the best in the country and put together a school-record 11 shutouts. Fortunately, the back line returns in 2019 looking to carry that success into this year. Senior Kristen Amarikwa, a 2018 first team All-Mountain West selection, is the leader of the group as well as a team captain. She is joined by fellow all-conference selection Jada Wilson and all-tournament team member Natasha Harris as well as Karlee Pottorff, Carlie James, Lauola Amanoni and Bryanna Bartlett. With the addition of two freshmen, the backline once again figures to be one of the strongest groups on the team in 2019.
What Coach Hansen says about the Defenders:
"We return a solid back line with four starters, three captains and one sophomore, Jada Wilson, that was on the Mountain West All-Newcomer Team. This back line was ranked fourth in the country for shutouts last season, so we look forward to building on that!"
Goalkeepers (3):
Returners – Caitlin McManus, Kara Burns
Newcomer – Ari Romero
Scouting Report:
One of the most intriguing position battles of the offseason and leading into season opener is who will replace Paige Simoneau in the goal. Simoneau departed the program after four great seasons in the net and had a record-setting season as a senior in 2018. Two returners, Caitlin McManus and Kara Burns, backed Simoneau last season with Burns making one start. McManus redshirted. This season, Coach Hansen added another piece to the puzzle with the addition of Seattle University transfer Ariana Romero. The three have been in stiff competition and it is yet to be seen who will get the starting nod on Thursday.
What Coach Hansen says about the Goalkeepers:
"The goalkeeping position is a fierce competition with all three of them competing for the spot. To have the talent we have in this position is special and all of them have strengths and qualities that will help guide our defense."
The Spartans kick off the season this Thursday against Cal Poly at 7:00 p.m. PT. San Jose State is offering up to four free tickets for the match to all Gilroy residents in response to the tragic shooting that occurred in early August.
Individual game tickets to men's and women's soccer are on sale now via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com. Group ticket inquiries should be made to 408-924-SJTX (7589).