By George Damos (@KingDamos):
With the time winding down and the game tied at two, junior forward Darriell Franklin ripped one from 10 yards outside the box.
The SJSU women’s soccer team faced off against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels this Sunday at home, in what could easily be described as this year’s most significant comeback victory, winning 3-2.
“Don’t even think about the score,” said head coach Lauren Hanson, “You just need one goal, momentum with change and you’ll get another goal.”
The Spartans took the field in fighting form, ready to add another tally in the win column but UNLV had other ideas.
The game started off like any other with strong offense on both sides of the ball.
However, it was the Rebels who struck first.
In just the 21st minute of the game, junior goalkeeper Paige Simoneau stared down UNLV’s Amanda Galbraith who set up for a penalty shot.
Simoneau layed out to make the save, but unlucky for her she couldn’t follow up effort.
Galbraith collected her rebound and placed it in the back of the net.
“It was a very unfortunate call from the referee,” said senior forward Dorthe Hoppius.
Wounded but not out, the Spartans fought on playing solid offense.
They continued forward pushing for an equalizer, but unfortunately, in the 35th minute of the game UNLV made the game harder.
Michaela Morris, assisted by Galbraith, slammed a low driven shot just inside the left post.
The whistle blew for halftime, and the Spartans headed to the locker room to group and plan their attack down by two goals
Both sides came out strong in the second half, but it was the Spartans who went out and showed why they are at the top spot in the Mountain West.
In the 67th minute, Franklin stepped up to the spot for her penalty kick.
The anticipation was almost palpable in the stands and on the sidelines.
The back of net bulged and the stadium erupted in cheers.
“I have to make it,” Franklin said, “We have been practicing and training, so I knew I was going to make it.”
The Spartans were down by a goal but didn’t have to wait long for another celebration.
Junior midfielder Jennifer Orozco hit a volley after a blocked shot and slammed another goal home to tie the game at two all.
UNLV saw their chances to win the game starting to slip away and go on the attack.
The Spartans defense however was able to cause a flurry of blocked and missed shots as well as numerous botched corners.
“The whole preseason, we worked on defense,” Hoppius said, “It’s a big part of the game.”
It was in the 83rd minute that the game would be decided.
SJSU’s leading point and goal scorer Hoppius gathered in a blocked shot and marked a pass to Franklin.
From long distance, Franklin drilled one towards the top right corner.
The stadium was filled with the sounds of joy from SJSU and defeat from UNLV.
Seven minutes later the women’s soccer team took home the win.
With just three games left in the regular season, there is no doubt the Spartans have caught fire at the right time.
Next up is a trip to Colorado Springs to play Colorado College. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT.