The UCSD men’s soccer team won its second game in three days on Oct. 20, holding off Chapman University for a 1-0 non-conference victory and improving to 10-3-1. The victory was the least of the team’s concerns, however, as senior defender Ryan Blair left midway through the second half with a severe lower leg injury. His status is yet to be determined.
Down the stretch: Triton sophomore defender Kevin Murray looks to throw the ball inbounds to a teammate in UCSD’s 1-0 victory against Chapman.
The team got off to a quick start when, five minutes into the game, sophomore midfielder Grant Nishio grabbed the ball near midfield and took off down the sideline. He cut into Chapman’s goal box and beat the goalie for an early 1-0 lead. The goal would prove to be the game winner.
Chapman had the only other good scoring opportunity of the first half, as a shot from just outside the box eluded senior goalkeeper Jeremy Cookson and hit the top corner of the crossbar.
Midway through the second half, Blair challenged for the ball and went down with a lower leg injury. The game was delayed for several minutes before he was taken off the field on a cart, and it seemed as though the team was shaken by the injury of one of its co-captains.
Playoff bound: UCSD can clinch the CCAA South division with a win over Cal State San Bernardino this weekend.
“”[Blair] is inspirational and always upbeat,”” said senior defender and co-captain Jon Shum. “”It was a little bit of a letdown. We were worried about Blair.””
Immediately after play resumed, Chapman appeared to score a goal, but it was called back by a contoversial offside call. This lucky break sparked the UCSD offense, which denied Chapman any chance of coming back in the game.
The offense exploded for continuous opportunities, as the Tritons controlled play throughout the last 25 minutes. There were several quality scoring chances, many of which were inside Chapman’s goal box, along with two shots that went off the goalposts.
“”We have some explosive forwards and we put some pressure on them,”” Shum said. “”It’s the defense that needs to step it up for the [California Collegiate Athletic Association playoffs].””
UCSD head coach Derek Armstrong agreed with Shum’s thoughts on the game.
“”It could have been three of four, easily. We hit the post twice,”” he said, referring to the number of goals UCSD could have scored. “”We’ve got good stuff, but we’re a little too open defensively.””
With UCSD dominating play for the remainder of the game, Chapman had no chance to tie the score. All of their counterattacks were quickly stopped, and the offense again resumed peppering the Chapman goal.
Nishio’s goal in the fifth minute held up while goalie Cookson recorded the shutout. It was UCSD’s fourth straight win heading into the close of the season. UCSD will play their final road match against Cal State San Bernardino on Oct. 25.
More important than the win for the team will be the recovery of Blair, the team leader and one of the team’s best defenders. He is an integral part of its defensive unit, according to the team.
“”It’s a tough time of the year [to lose Blair],”” Armstrong said. “”We’ve been injury-free all year long.””
The injury came only two games before postseason playoffs begin.
Shum spoke of Blair’s presence on the field.
“”Speed is his asset. He is the best marking defenseman on our team,”” Shum said.
Should the need to fill Blair’s spot for future games arise, the team will be ready.
“”We’re going to step it up with the boys tomorrow,”” Armstrong said.
Shum also described the depth of the team, defensively.
“”The team can step it up, and the guys are doing well in training,”” he said.
As the Tritons prepare for their playoff run, they hope Blair will be back in the lineup and playing at 100 percent, especially Armstrong, who hopes to have his co-captain back on the field as soon as possible.
“”Keep your fingers crossed,”” Armstrong said.
