By Ryan Vermont (@Your_Pal_Ryan):
For the first time since joining the Mountain West Conference in 2013, San Jose State’s women’s soccer program took home the 2017 regular season title.
The feat was set in stone with a 3-1 win over Air Force Academy this afternoon.
Still in the running for first place in the conference, the Falcons played a determined and feisty style, however the Spartans were focused and on a mission from the opening whistle.
“They were just excited, said SJSU head coach Lauren Hanson. “Any chance you get to this spot in league play and you have the right to earn to host the conference tournament the following year and win first place you better be excited.”
The first half ended scoreless although it was played almost exclusively on Air Force’s side of the pitch. SJSU earned eight corners in the opening frame compared to just one and went into the locker room dominating the shot totals 16 to 3.
There were numerous occasions in the first half in which Hanson had confrontations with the referee due to questionable calls, yet she was adamant it had no effect on her team’s psyche.
“Honestly I think it helps kind of build a little passion,” Hanson said. “One thing I always tell my team is just play, just keep playing. Don’t let that affect you and channel your emotions.”
As the second half began, play started to open up. Fourteen minutes in, the Spartans scored the opener.
Senior midfielder Yaritza Arista sent in a looping ball from outside of the box and connected with junior forward Darielle Franklin up from her defender position. She poked it past Air Force’s junior goalkeeper Jennifer Hiddink with her head and found the back of the net.
The good feelings wouldn’t last very long as Falcons’ sophomore forward Bree Bezdek scored a goal off a set piece less than three minutes later.
“I feel like even after they scored the goal we came out fighting,” Franklin said.
Sophomore forward Jamilecxth Becerra scored barely a minute later in the 63rd minute marking the third goal in just over five minutes. She then put the dagger into the hearts of the other contenders in the conference with her second goal of the game.
After a darting run past several defenders, she sent the ball wide to freshman defender Lauola Amanoni. Amanoni delayed, and then crossed the ball back in front of the net finding Becerra wide open for a back-post header.
“It feels amazing,” Becerra said. “Just to be able to do that for my team felt great”
The Spartans finished the game with 26 shots to just 10 from Air Force. SJSU junior goalkeeper Paige Simoneau recorded three saves.
Becerra’s 76th minute goal was more than enough to put up the victory and as the final whistle was blown, celebrations insured.
With one game left in the regular season, Hanson said it will not be taken lightly and the team will use the match to prepare for the conference tournament nine days from today.
The regular-season finale and last home game will take place on Oct 27 against rival Fresno State.