The UCSD soccer team was going away to play at SDSU against the CSU Fullerton team. Upon arriving at the field, the team realized what they were in for, a slippery contest. Through warmups there were many players that slipped on the carpet-like grass, helping the boys realize that in this game, they had to be careful about their passes, pivots, and acceleration. 

The game kicked off, and UCSD started strong with possession, but continued to turn over the ball due to sloppy passing. Fullerton tried to take advantage of a few of these chances, but were unable to do so thanks to numerous saves from Zachary Cochran. Their attempts were not unmatched, UCSD also had many attempts, making the momentum very even. The 0-0 deadlock was broken when Jake Honma calmly scored a pen for UCSD that was drawn by Matsuro. This lead didn’t last long as within 30 seconds of the whistle to restart play, Fullerton had an open man down the left wing. Zach slipped on his approach to try to make a save, and the shot was finished near post to make it 1-1. As play continued, UCSD started to dominate again. It wasn’t long before Cole Hubbard found an open header on the back post and scored another go ahead goal. However, before the half ended, the ball found its way into UCSD’s box. Many defenders tried to clear it and failed, resulting in a wacky equalizing goal for Fullerton shortly before the end of the half.

The second half had many switches of momentum, but the majority of the chances went the way of UCSD. There were many shots in the box, and many passes connected, but after a long time trying to penetrate the defence, the whistle blew to call it a game, ending in a 2-2 tie to start the tournament.

The second game of the Aztec cup started, and the boys were looking for some revenge. Not only did they want to let frustration out from the tie earlier in the day, but Cal Poly had beat them last year, so this was not a game to mess around. 

The warmup was electric, the sunset was beautiful, and frequent “FIGHT AND WINS” kept the vibes high.

The game started fast, with SLO sending in long ball after long ball like the siege of Troy. Our defense held up beautifully, with David Contreras and company rejecting every single attempt, and midfielders Jorge and Lucas distributed the ball wonderfully to our wingers. The left side got hot with Jake putting in some nice crosses, but ultimately no goals were scored. Jorge showed off his speed, (thank you normatec) on a run towards the net that almost resulted in a point for the Tritons, and Lalo fought well to create some nice chances off the right wing. Yellow cards were drawn, chances were created, but alas both teams went scoreless into the half.

The second half was much like the first. Decent chances were created by both sides, but nothing definite, nothing striking. OR SO WE THOUGHT. Late in the second half, Messi himself came onto the field and scored a worldly banger. Oh wait, that was Cesar scoring the most beautiful volley known to man. Shout out to Kelan, George, and Cole with the beautiful buildup. Witnesses say they thought Cesar was kicking a field goal with how high the ball seemed to be going, but Cesar must've used his nano engineering knowledge to know that the ball would dip straight into the woodworks and into the net. Renewed with energy, the Tritons closed out the game in the best way, almost adding another goal by Cesar that got called back due to an offside call. The final whistle blew, and the team felt great about this hard fought victory. This team fought, and this team won.

Looking to close out their group play in first place, going in this was a must win game for the Tritons. As such, the match began in energetic fashion with UC San Diego high-pressing in their coveted 3-4-3 formation. Unsurprisingly, the press proved to be too much for Long Beach and within the first five minutes the game's tempo was being calmly controlled by the Tritons, greatly facilitated by their number six Richard Hoang. 

First blood was finally struck in the 20th minute with a technical masterpiece by debutant Patrick Machado. Machado, who joined the team as a centerback and defensive midfielder, debuted for  the Tritons as the number nine to help with holdup play. After a strong buildup and defensive breakdown led by Zachary Bello, the ball was bouncing at Machado’s feet in the center of the opponents 18-yard box. With his back initially facing the goal, Machado faked the short layoff before performing a dragback in the opposite direction and slotting it bottom left. 

It didn’t take long for the Tritons to strike again. This time it was debutant Arya “The Truth” Abolmaali who delivered the bad news to Long Beach. After a good win from the midfield in San Diego’s defensive third, the ball was distributed on the counter to Bello who quickly drove forward on the break with a 4v3 advantage. Drawing the first defender to step, Bello passed the ball through to the right where The Truth was running on in the open wing. Virtually one on one with the keeper, The Truth took an easy touch forward into the right side of the box before slotting it bottom left past the keeper's outstretched boot, slamming the door shut on Long Beach's hopes and dreams of an Aztec Cup knockout game.

The second half saw minimal action but was controlled heavily and calmly by the Tritons who, securing top of the group, would look to beat either UC Davis or Cal Poly Pomona in the quarterfinal.

After a decisive victory against CSU Long Beach, UC San Diego advanced to the quarter finals, where they played against UC Davis. Just like their previous game against CSU Long Beach, UC San Diego started in their 3-4-3 formation which initially put pressure on the UCD defense. UC San Diego and UC Davis went back and forth at each other. The match was very tense and aggressive, as the Tritons battled on, determined to draw first blood. However, toward the end of the first half UC San Diego slipped up and allowed a UC Davis attacker to shoot a high curling shot into the top right corner, setting UC Davis up 1-0. The Tritons went into half time knowing they had something to prove in the second half.

As the second half began, UC San Diego continued to battle with UC Davis to get a goal of their own. The clock was running out and it seemed like UC San Diego’s time in the tournament was coming to an end. But, the Tritons won a corner kick toward the end of the match. Lalo Barbieri stepped up to take it. The UCSD attackers were ready to sprint into the box and score. Barbieri crossed the ball in and it bobbled around until it ultimately landed in front of Owen Cutting, who scored after a great run and a clinical finish.

The score was 1-1 and the teams fought on through fatigue, but the final whistle rang out and it was time for penalties. Sadly, the Tritons lost 5-4 in penalties in the Quarterfinal. However, UC San Diego’s performance throughout the tournament was excellent and it will be interesting to see how the team will look in the future.