The UCSD women’s soccer team squeaked past California State University Stanislaus 2-1 in a California Collegiate Athletic Association match Sunday afternoon in Turlock.
This was an especially sweet victory for the Tritons because they snapped the Warriors’ four-game home winning streak.
“”This was a big road win for us,”” UCSD head coach Brian McManus said. “”[CSUS is] a very tough team. They are young, physical and fast. They played us very tough and with a lot of confidence.””
The Tritons, who upped their record to 9-1 in the CCAA and 11-1 overall, had luck on their side when a CSUS defender deflected a crossing pass into the net to give UCSD the early lead.
The game was knotted at one just 11 minutes into the second half when Kara Maloney broke free and scored a goal off a Sela Suarez assist. The tying goal came just after Warrior defender Kerri Frankel yelled, “”We never lose at home,”” from CSUS’s backfield.
The Warriors, who fell to 4-4-1 in the CCAA and 7-6-1 overall, hung tough for most of the second half, but were simply outplayed by the Tritons late in the game.
“”We dominated the last 15 minutes of the game,”” McManus said. “”We had seven or eight corners in the last 10 or 12 minutes. The ball was constantly down in [CSUS’s] side of the field. We just couldn’t take advantage and put one away.””
UCSD finally broke through with just under a minute-and-a-half left to play when Kristen Conahan scored on a cross pass. The ball rolled off goalkeeper Michelle Balzouman’s hands to give the Tritons the narrow victory.
Kami Poma made three saves for UCSD in the win. Kara Keene and Balzouman had two saves apiece for CSUS.
The Tritons will be back in action Saturday when they host Western Washington University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.