Call the San Jose State Spartans overtime warriors. New Mexico became their latest victim.
Forward Dorthe Hoppius scored a game-winning goal in overtime to lead first-place San Jose State to a 2-1 victory over the Lobos Friday night at the UNM Soccer Complex. The Spartans have six overtime games this season: three wins, two ties and a loss.
UNM finally played what coach Heather Dyche considered its best game of the season. It wasn’t enough against a team who also has OT wins over conference foes Wyoming and Boise State.
“I thought we put together two good halves, and normally I feel we only put together one good half,” Dyche said. “Our shape was great. Our possession was outstanding. Our movement was good, made good decisions, scored a beautiful goal. It’s just soccer. It sucks sometimes.
Hoppius netted the golden goal three minutes into the first overtime session. The Spartans played the ball into Lobo territory and Hoppius collected a loose ball when two players collided trying to make a play.
Her shot from 18 yards out sailed past UNM goalkeeper Cassie Ulrich. She posted her sixth goal on the season.
The teams had played fairly balanced through much of the game, but San Jose State grabbed an early lead on a misplayed ball by Ulrich. Seven minutes in, midfielder Samantha Orodpour played a cross toward the net. Ulrich tried to collect the ball but fell to the ground, and the ball slipped between her legs.
Midfielder Alexis Venagas took advantage of the opportunity, scoring on an open net inside the box.
“I thought both of their goals were our mistakes more than them creating them,” Dyche said. “That’s the frustrating thing because it’s something you want to rectify.”
The Lobos managed an equalizer in the second half on a strong shot from midfielder Alyssa Coonrod. Midfielder Lindsey Guice played the ball in from the far midfield across the field to Coonrod. She turned and fired a 25-yard laser past goalkeeper Zoe Makrigiannis.
SJSU recorded two goals despite UNM claiming a slight edge in shots (12 to 11) and shots on goal (six to five). Most of UNM’s shots came in the second half, firing nine. Makrigiannis saved five Lobo shots on goal; Ulrich made two saves.
“We were switching the ball around,” Coonrod said. “We were finding open player really well. The weak side was on all day. We found that. That’s how I scored. Their two goals, I felt, were super unlucky.
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“At the end of the day we didn’t win that game, but I’m sure we’ll play them again and get them next time.”
UNM will look to rebound from the loss on Sunday when it hosts Fresno State at 1 p.m.
J.R. Oppenheim is the managing editor for the Daily Lobo. Contact him at managingeditor@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @JROppenheim.
