The Nevada Sagebrush

The Nevada soccer team defeated top-seeded and regular-season champions San Jose State Friday afternoon 2-1 in overtime. The Wolf Pack advanced to the Western Athletic Conference Tournament final game for the second time in program history and the first time since 2006.

Nevada defender Erin Smith scored the game-winning goal (her first of the year) in the 96th minute off of an assist from midfielder Cristen Drummond to give Nevada the win.  San Jose State took a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute on a goal from Shanelle Furner before the Wolf Pack tied the game at 1-1 as Drummond scored from 35 yards out.

Nevada, a four-seed in this year’s tournament will face No. 3 and tournament host Boise State in the final on Sunday at noon with the winner advancing to the NCAA Tournament.  If Nevada wins on Sunday, the team would improve to 11-11 overall and tie the second-best win total in program history.  The 2005 team finished 11-7-2 while the 2006 team finished with the best record in school history, 13-5-4.

The Wolf Pack ended the game with 17 shots (seven on goal) while San Jose State finished the game with 13 shots (six on goal).  Natalie Ratnavira took a game-high seven shots for the Pack.

Goalkeeper Marie Cove made five saves for Nevada while Nina Butera made five in goal for the Spartans.

SCORING SUMMARY:

Nevada:

–Goal at 21:25 from Cristen Drummond. Unassisted. Made from 35 yards out.

–Goal at 95:41 from Erin Smith. Assisted by Drummond. Shot from left side of penalty area into low right corner of goal.

San Jose State:

–Goal at 9:31 from Shanelle Furner. Unassisted. Shot from 20 yards out.

The sports staff can be reached at sports@nevadasagebrush.com.

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