Unlike most of its opponents, the No. 16 UCSD men’s soccer team starts its regular season a few weeks before classes begin. And every season that the Tritons play during week one, head coach Derek Armstrong encourages his players to keep their concentration and be aware of off-field distractions.
“Every year, I always warn [the players] that the first week is tough because they are balancing school and soccer,” Armstrong said. “But after that, they’re adjusted.”
After struggling for a scoreless tie against Sonoma State on Oct. 1 at RIMAC field, the Tritons won, 2-1, against visiting San Francisco State on Oct. 3. It was a huge win because the Gators had beaten the Seawolves earlier in the season.
Even though the match against Sonoma State was mostly even, the Tritons failed to capitalize on several chances.
“We were definitely strong defensively,” senior defender Luke Russell said. “But we didn’t put away our chances. We should have won, 3-0, and it’s frustrating. We had three or four breakaway chances, and we didn’t give up any goals.”
Armstrong echoed Russell’s sentiments, also noting that the Seawolves have been a thorn in his side during his coaching career.
“I can’t beat [Sonoma State],” Armstrong said. “This is the sixth time [without a win].”
Although the tie was frustrating for UCSD, Russell knows the team is still in good standing.
“We’re looking to come out strong [in the next match],” Russell said. “We just need to finish.”
UCSD stepped up to the task and finished their opportunities against San Francisco State.
The Gators struck the first blow with a goal in the 10th minute of the first half.
“We weren’t ready for the Gators’ physical play,” junior midfielder and captain Matthew Davey said. “We weren’t ready to play aggressive soccer, and they caught us off guard.”
The Tritons responded with two unanswered goals in the second half. Davey scored from seven yards out, with an assist from sophomore forward Brian Jacobs.
“[Jacobs] did really well to get by his guy and put a pretty good cross in,” Davey said. “I think it was just good timing, and we’ve been working on that all week long.”
With less than four minutes left in the match, junior forward Jon Krupansky kicked in the game-winner with assists from freshman defender Josh Levy and sophomore midfielder German Bravo.
Armstrong was pleased with his team’s efforts but knows that the Tritons must continue to improve.
“We’re probably functioning at about 80 percent of what we can do,” Armstrong said. “We’re not where we want to be but I’m hoping that very soon, we’ll start pulling it together.”
