SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose State women's soccer got back on track with a big win in front of the home crowd, defeating Utah State, 1-0, Sunday at the Spartan Soccer Complex. With the win, head coach Lauren Hanson ties Philippe Blin for the most in school history with 53.
For the Spartans, they posted their fifth shutout of the season after turning away a barrage of shot attempts from the Aggies. Senior centerback Kristen Amarikwa led the defensive attack that turned away 13 shot attempts, with only four going on frame. The back line blocked shot after shot to keep things easier for goalkeeper Ariana Romero, who made four saves and posted her fifth clean sheet of the year.
SJSU and Utah State were nearly even on the stat sheet with 13 shot attempts each while the Spartans edged the Aggies 5-3 in corner attempts.
After a scoreless opening half, the Spartans finally broke through in the 73rd minute after drawing a penalty inside the box. Freshman Sabrina Weinman was tasked with taking the penalty kick. The product of Hercules, California made the best of the opportunity and buried the kick into the left side of the net for the eventual game-winner. The goal was Weinman's team-best third of the season.
Utah State (6-5-1, 1-2-1) nearly tied things up five minutes later as Kanyon Merrill put up a shot that hit the top crossbar. Shortly after, inside the 86th minute, the Aggies had their final good looks as they put the ball inside the box and put up back-to-back shots. The Spartans stood firm, however, and blocked both attempts to preserve the lead.
With the win, SJSU improves to 2-2 in league play and 4-6-2 overall. The Spartans will next hit the road for a weekend road swing against Wyoming and Colorado State beginning on Friday, October 11.
