By Keanu Haghighi (@KeanuHaghighi ):
The San Jose State women’s soccer team (9-5-1, 7-1-1 MW) is one step closer toward its first Mountain West title in program history after a 3-2 victory over the Colorado College Tigers (5-8-4, 2-5-2 MW).
Senior forward Dorthe Hoppius gave the Spartans an early lead in the third minute on a shot that went over the goalkeeper’s head and into the back of the net.
In the 18th minute, junior forward Dariell Franklin notched her fourth goal of the year on a cross from Hoppius, which doubled the Spartans’ lead to 2-0.
Colorado College was able to cut the deficit in half on a beautiful goal from Catie Mcdonald that was struck about 25 yards out from the goal.
In the second half, Colorado College was putting on the pressure and looked to equalize the game, but their aggressive play on offense led to the Spartans third goal in the 72nd minute by sophomore forward Jamilecxth Becerra.
With a 3-1 lead late in the game, it looked as if the Spartans were going to comfortably cruise to another win. However, their complacency resulted in Colorado College scoring in the 83rd minute and cutting the SJSU lead down to one goal again.
The Spartans defense was able to hold off the late offensive flurry by the Tigers in the last five minutes to earn their fourth straight win.
Now, the Spartans look forward to their showdown with Air Force at the Spartan Soccer Complex on Sunday. If SJSU were to win, the team would clinch its first Mountain West title in program history. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m..