Continuing its quest for a third straight national championship, the UCSD women’s soccer team beat Western Washington University 1-0 at Triton Soccer Stadium Oct. 13.
Guardian
UCSD’s only goal was a shot by sophomore co-captain Megan Mendoza, who took a pass from sophomore Kristen Conahan, dribbled around a defender, and hit the right corner of the goal with 43 minutes into the second half. However, the Tritons clearly dominated the contest from the start. UCSD took 23 shots to the Vikings’ seven. The loss brought the Vikings’ record to 5-8-1 overall.
The Tritons won despite losing starters Jessica Cordova and Kara Morriss to injuries. Cordova, a senior forward, is expected to play in the next game. Morriss, however, is waiting for the results of her recent MRI and is expected to remain inactive for approximately one month.
Triton coach Brian McManus described his team’s play as “”scrappy.”” McManus described the Vikings as “”good athletes who work their backsides off.
Guardian
“”We’ve never been a real physical team,”” McManus said about the Tritons. “”We try playing with a little too much finesse at times. At some point in the game you have to stand up for yourself and battle back. We have to get a little stronger physically.””
However, McManus wasn’t too disappointed with the game’s low score.
“”In the end, the result is what you want. I’d rather win 1-0 that way than win 5-0 playing badly,”” he said.
Sophomore goalie Kami Poma made seven saves in the game to earn her third shutout of the season, while her counterpart for the Vikings posted nine saves on the day.
With the victory, the Tritons improved to 12-1 overall, while the Vikings’ overall record dropped to 5-9.
The Tritons remain perched atop the Southern Division of the CCAA and are ranked No. 5 in the nation.
The team will face its next challenge Oct. 19, when it plays Cal State San Bernardino at Triton Soccer Stadium. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
