UCSD women’s soccer has excelled beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.
Over the past 15 years, Triton soccer’s head coach Brian McManus and his squads secured nine Division III Regional Championships, five Division III National Championships and one Division II National Championship.
With the help of senior defender and 2001 California Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player of the Year Julia Cuder, McManus led his team to an incredible 18-2 regular season record and captured the Division II Southern Division Championship.
Although McManus is familiar with success, he still felt “”excellent”” when the CCAA named him the 2001 CCAA coach of the year.
Cuder was surprised when McManus told her she had been named the year’s MVP. She did not expect the honor, according to McManus.
She has been an imposing defensive force for UCSD. The senior defender had four goals and five assists on the season, but her real contributions were immeasurable as a team leader and solid defender. Cuder has also been a team leader all year long.
McManus commented that “”how they played and how they produced is what has made me successful.””
He continued, “”[Winning the Division II National Championship] last year was like a fairy tale — a blur. We just want to get back to the same place this year.””
McManus is excited about being named the 2001 CCAA coach of the year, but now will focus his attention on the playoffs.
“”Each game will be a battle because you don’t make it this far if you are a bad team,”” McManus said. “”We must not make too many mistakes, but we must capitalize on the mistakes of others.””
UCSD, one of eight teams left in the playoffs, is prepared to face its opponents.
Cuder is confident and has the same feeling this year she did last year before earning the National Championship title.
“”We are going all the way,”” Cuder said. “”Everything is looking good and everything is clicking on the field.””