SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose State women's soccer got on the board early and held the lead for nearly 75 minutes, but two late goals, including a game-winner in overtime cost the Spartans the win in their final non-conference match of the season as they fell to Portland, 2-1, Friday night at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
It was a tale of two halves for the Spartans (2-4-2) as they controlled the ball well in the first 45 minutes, putting up nine shots and six on goal while limiting the Pilots (3-2-2) to just three shots with none on target. The Spartans also finished the half with seven corners while Portland had none.
Senior forward Jamilecxth Becerra was responsible for two of those shots on goal and her first attempt proved true as she scored an unassisted, go-ahead goal in the ninth minute. It was the Spartans' fastest goal of the season and for Becerra, it was goal No. 2 on the year.
Barely a minute later, fellow senior Kristen Amarikwa came ever so close to adding another goal as her shot looked good of the kick, but Portland goalkeeper Jenny Wahlen made a great save to take the chance away.
Things began to turn in the opponent's favor in the second half as Portland began their push and put up seven shots, three on target. In the 86th minute, a Spartan foul just outside the penalty box gave the Pilots a great chance to equalize with a free kick. Ellie Walker put up a shot with the kick and it found the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1.
The match then went into overtime, which lasted roughly three minutes before Portland was able to clinch the match with a golden goal off the foot of Taryn Ries.
The Spartans finished the night outshooting the Pilots 14-11 and had 10 corners to Portland's two. Ariana Romero finished the night with three saves and allowed both goals while Wahlen made six saves and conceded one goal.
With the non-conference slate now officially in the books, SJSU will now turn their full attention to Mountain West play. They kick off the conference season on Friday, September 27 against Colorado College in Colorado Springs.
