SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose State women's soccer kicked off the 2019 season much like they closed it last year with solid defense and a shutout. The Spartans and Cal Poly played 110 minutes through two overtime periods, but neither team was able to find the back of the net as the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Despite the draw, the Spartans played very well in all aspects of the game. The heralded defense, which pitched a school-record 11 shutouts in 2018, picked up right where they left off as they limited scoring opportunities. Cal Poly put just four shots on goal in 13 attempts.
Sophomore transfer Ariana Romero got the start in the goal and was outstanding in her Spartan debut making three saves in the shutout. However, the biggest save of the night came from junior defender Karlee Pottorff. Just under 10 minutes into the opening half, Cal Poly had their best chance of the match as Romero slipped and was unable to recover, leaving the net wide open. Pottorff, however, was able to step in at the last moment to block Nikki Trucco's shot attempt.
The Spartans had several chances of their own and finished with five shots on goal. SJSU put up two shots in the first overtime period, but neither found the mark. Freshman Alison Gallant, in her collegiate debut off the bench, led the team with two shots on goal. Carlie James, Jamilecxth Becerra and Jada Wilson also put a shot on goal each.
With the tie, both teams start the season 0-0-1. The Spartans return to action on Sunday as they hit the road for Santa Barbara for a noon kick with UCSB.
