SAN JOSE, Calif. – In a battle of Mountain West heavyweights pitted against other for the first time since the 2018 conference tournament semifinal, the San Jose State Spartans conceded a second half goal to Boise State that eventually resulted in a 1-0 loss in the team's conference home-opener Thursday night at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
Despite a great night from the defense, led by senior Kristen Amarikwa commanding the back line and Ariana Romero in the goal, the Spartans were unable to contain the Mountain West's best offensive player forever as Raimee Sherle, the reigning MW Offensive Player of the Year, broke through for the Broncos in the 76th minute after the ball was caught in traffic just outside the net. Sherle was able to put enough on a rebound shot to find the bottom corner for her 10th goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.
Prior to the goal, the Spartans did well to keep the prolific Boise State offense at bay. While the Broncos put up a total of 13 shots, six were saved by Romero while two others were knocked away by SJSU defenders.
Unfortunately for the Spartans, despite having a few good looks offensively, they were unable to find the back of the net. They put up a total of four shots led by Amarikwa and Jamilecxth Becerra, who each finished the night with a pair of shots. Becerra attempted SJSU's lone shot on goal in the 48th minute.
The Spartans' good ball movement resulted in seven corner kick opportunities while the Broncos attempted four.
With the loss, SJSU drops to 3-6-2, 1-2-0 while Boise State improves to 11-1-0, 3-0-0. The Spartans return to action Sunday against Utah State as the front end of a doubleheader with the men's team beginning at 11:00 a.m. PT.
