
Photo by Aaliyah Roman
The San José State women’s soccer team tied against the University of New Mexico in its first conference game on Friday at the Spartan Soccer Complex.
The Spartans (2-3-4, 0-0-1 MWC) had 15 shots, but only managed to score once against the Lobos (3-1-3, 0-0-1 MWC) in the 74th minute.
Junior forward Kennedy Mayo scored the Spartan’s single goal of the game.
“We were down a goal in the early minute of the second half so all I knew was that the ball had to go in the back of the net and it did,” Mayo said. “It was a great moment.”
Junior forward Bella Flocchini, who led the team with 4 shots, said Mayo’s goal came at a pivotal time in the match.
“Second half is definitely the most crucial so we went in with that mindset but also not to panic, but to play composed,” Mayo said.
The Lobos outshot the Spartans 12-5 in the second half.
Sophomore goalkeeper Bente Pernot made 3 saves. However, the team could not maintain possession of the ball.
“I feel like (in) the second half we struggled to keep the energy up as a team,” Flocchini said. “All of us just (needed to start) pumping each other up and reminding (each other) that we have to come out stronger.”
Mayo, who had a match-high two shots on goal said the team could have worked more cohesively.
“Communication definitely can be worked on. A lot of things can be worked on, you know we’re always here to grow,” Mayo said.
Head coach Tina Estrada said the team needs to execute better on the field.
“There were good (and) clear chances that should have been a little bit more dangerous so that’s what we’re gonna look to improve on Sunday,” Estrada said.