The Tritons have jump started the 2003 season with a flawless record of 6-0, and things are just starting to heat up.
“”We’re just going to continue how we’re playing now, but we can do better. We’re not finishing our games how we’d like right now,”” said head coach Brian McManus.
In the first six games, the Tritons have outscored opponents by a 17-4 margin, with three of the games being shutouts. The women’s team has also outshot adversaries by over 30 goals, and 10 Tritons have scored so far, while eight have helped with assists.
“”We’re a team that doesn’t depend on one player; we work on creating balance all over the field, on offense and defense,”” McManus said. “”We want everyone involved in the game.””
Throughout the streak the team is currently enjoying, it has risen from being ranked sixth nationally to their current fourth-place ranking.
“”We’re the same team as we’ve always been, and we just take each game on its own merit,”” McManus said.
Part of the team’s success this year can be attributed to the level of experience that comes from having nine seniors.
“”Most of these girls have been playing together for four years, and they’re helping put the younger girls on the same wavelength, and assisting in their skills growth,”” McManus said.
UCSD started off the stellar 2003 campaign with a 6-0 victory against Central Washington on Sept. 3 in which six different Tritons scored a goal.
The team next defeated Seattle on Sept. 5 in a 1-0 double overtime victory.
In their first home game and first California Collegiate Athletic
Association contest, the Tritons bested CSU San Bernardino in a
5-2 romp that took place on Sept. 10.
In their second game against a CCAA South Division opponent, UCSD took on and defeated Cal Poly Pomona by a score of 2-1 on Sept. 13.
Improving its overall record to 5-0 and their CCAA record to 3-0, UCSD came out the victor against Grand Canyon with a 1-0 victory on Sept. 16.
In their most recent showdown, UCSD took out Sonoma State by a score of 2-1 on Sept. 19.
“”We’ve been traveling a lot lately, and we’re a little tired,””
McManus said. “”Some players need a little rest. It’s tough on the girls to play so many games in such rapid succession, but we’re looking forward to getting back home next week. It will be a big game against San Francisco on [the 21st], but we’re ready.””
After taking on SFSU, the Tritons will come home for four games, the last of which has them facing division rivals UC Davis, who defeated them in last year’s CCAA playoffs.