SAN JOSE, Calif. - Freshman midfielder Tiana Cello's first career goal couldn't have come at a better time for San Jose State women's soccer. The Manteca, Calif., native scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 78th minute as she gathered a rebound inside the box and fired home the go-ahead score to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead over Loyola Marymount. The Spartan Defense, as it did all night long, took over from there and held the Lions at bay on their way to their first shutout of the season.
Match Highlights
- Cello's goal was one of six shots on goal the Spartans put up in the win. They ended up outshooting the Lions, 14-11, with a 6-2 advantage on shots on goal.
- Cello nearly scored again just two minutes after her first goal. After breaking away from the pack, she took on LMU's keeper one-on-one, but was unable to get her shot off in time to beat the keeper.
- The Spartans used both of their freshman goalkeepers in the shutout effort. Autum Monty made the start and had a relatively quiet 45 minutes in the box. Shayla Sugai took over in the second and made a couple key saves down the stretch to preserve the combined shutout.
- The SJSU back line played exceptionally well all game long as they allowed just two shots on goal for the night.
- San Jose State now owns a 2-1-1 advantage in the all-time series against LMU.
- Unfortunately it was not all good news for the Spartans as a pair of key starters, Karlee Pottorff and Bella Flocchini, both suffered injuries that forced them to miss the remainder of the match.
The Spartans will now head to San Luis Obispo for a Sunday afternoon contest against Cal Poly. Kick off is set for 12:00 p.m. from Alex G. Spanos Stadium.