SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose State women's soccer had a hot start and jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but was unable to sustain it as they finished in a 1-1 draw against UNLV Thursday evening at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
Senior Kristen Amarikwa, who has played defender for the majority of her career, but has recently moved up to forward to provide an offensive spark, put the Spartans on the board early in the eighth minute. Darrian Reed was credited with an assist on the play as she sent the ball towards the net and allowed Amarikwa to get her head on it and knock it in for her second goal in as many games.
With the early goal and several other great chances that just missed going in, it seemed as if SJSU was going to maintain control for the remainder of contest, however UNLV came out for the second half with a new energy and began to get more offensive looks. After posting four shots in the opening half, the Rebels put up six more in the second, including the equalizing goal in the 55th minute.
Neither team could break through for a second goal for the remainder of regulation, sending the match to overtime. In the first overtime period, the Spartans came out blazing as they put up five shots, including three on-frame that were saved by UNLV Goalkeeper Emberly Sevilla. The second overtime saw the roles reverse as it was UNLV who got off shots, four of them, but Spartan goalkeeper Ariana Romero was there to save each one.
Romero finished the night with a career-high 10 saves, becoming the first Spartan with a 10-save game since Ana Calero in 2017 vs. Santa Clara.
At the end of the night, the stat sheet looked very similar for the squads. SJSU edged the Rebels 16-15 in shot attempts, however 11 of SDSU's were on goal to the Spartans' nine. Amarikwa finished the night with four shots as did Karlee Pottorff, who put three on frame including two in overtime.
With the tie, both teams pick up a valuable point in the Mountain West standings as the race towards the finish line continues to pick up. The Spartans move to 2-4-2 in league play and 4-7-4 overall while UNLV moves to 4-10-1, 1-5-1.
The Spartans return to action Sunday at noon against the Nevada Wolfpack at the Spartan Soccer Complex.