SAN JOSE, Calif. – Two-time defending Mountain West champion San Diego State opened conference action on Friday afternoon with a 1-0 road victory at San José State. The win upped the Aztecs’ record to 6-2-1 (1-0 MW), while the Spartans dropped to 3-4-2 (0-1 MW) and had their four-game unbeaten streak stopped.

 

Senior Kelsey Booth, who grew up 60 miles north of San Jose in Concord, scored the game-winner in the 26^th minute off an assist from fellow classmate Haley Locker, which stopped San José State’s streak of 185-plus minutes (185:33) without allowing a goal. On the play, SJSU was unable to clear the ball and senior Katie Perry played the ball off to the right side. After a few touches by both squads, Perry fed Locker, who dribbled toward the box and passed it to Booth. The midfielder took it from there, turning, sliding and ultimately shooting the ball into the lower left corner from six yards out.

 

For Booth, it was her team- and career-best fourth goal of the season and marked the second game in row in which she has scored. Over the last two games, the Clayton Valley High product has five points after producing a goal and an assist in the 3-0 win over Idaho State. Additionally, Booth now has 10 points this season, which establishes a career high. Locker’s assist, meanwhile, was her second of the year, tying her with Booth and Perry for the second-highest total on the team.

 

SDSU finished with a 15-6 advantage in shots and did not allow a single SJSU corner kick, while attempting seven of its own. Senior Hannah Keane posted a game-high five shots, while Booth and Meggie Gulczynski were each credited with a pair. Goalkeeper Melanie Vaughn earned the victory and made three saves.

 

In addition to opening league action on a winning note, the Aztecs won their third straight MW opener and extended their unbeaten streak to six (4-0-2) in the first game of the conference schedule. On a wider scale, San Diego State improved to 12-1 in Mountain West road games since the start of 2011, and 31-4-3 against league foes since 2009.

 

SDSU returns to action on Sunday when it heads south to Fresno State. Game time is set for 1 p.m. PT and the contest will stream live online via the Mountain West Network.