On a chilly Friday afternoon, at the Boas soccer complex, the girls soccer team came out against a tough conference opponent Nevada.
Before the game started, the team and fans wished a fond farewell to the senior players, as it was their last regular season game as Broncos. Ebie Harris, Megan Blanchard, Brianne Favatella, Erica Parks, Brandy Hickcox, Janelle Jin and Mandy Nader were the acknowledged seniors.
The game started out slow, with both teams fighting for a foothold, or a chance to score. Boise State had more shots in the first half, at 11, but out of Nevada’s seven shots, four of them were awarded corner kicks. The Wolfpack was unable to capitalize on these four opportunities, thanks to senior Bronco goal keeper Megan Blanchard.
The game was touch and go for most of the first half, until the 43rd minute, when, off of a dual-assist by sophomore Shannon Schueren and freshman Dominique Banks, junior player Ashley Hruby scored her first goal of the season, by arching the ball brilliantly from the midfield perfectly over the goal-keeps outstretched hands.
This is the second season in a row Hruby has ended the season by scoring the game winning goal on senior day. This shot ended the half at 1-0.
The next half began with the Wolfpack coming out strong offensively, forcing the Broncos to up their defensive play to maintain their lead.
Nevada was also able to take advantage of their opportunities, and kept making the goal-keep work to block shots. Boise State tried to keep the ball on Nevada’s side of the field, but still ended up giving the Wolfpack four more corner kicks, all which resulted in nothing for Nevada, who could not seem to complete any offensive play.
In the end, Hruby’s goal was enough to win it for the Broncos. Statistically, the teams were about even: Boise State having 19 shots, compared to Nevada’s 14, but, the Broncos had only two corner kicks, while Nevada had eight.
Nevada dropped the ball on offensive play, unable to take any advantages out of what they were given.
It was a good game, and if you missed it, do not worry. Boise State is scheduled against Nevada for a rematch in the first round of the Mountain West tournament, Wednesday in San Diego, Calif. Hopefully, the women can keep up the recent dominant trend into the postseason.
