The Tritons started off their weekend at the UCSB tournament on a high note. The team started off a bit slow in the first 20 minutes as USC put on high pressure. About half way through the first half, Elayna Osterman scored a long shot from outside of the box over the goalkeeper's head. Shortly after, Suhana Singh made a great run and cross to Mia Fava who finished for the second goal.

The second half started with high energy for UCSD with Veronica Yonce scoring off of a great through ball from Kirsten Whetstone. Madeline Woo finished  a good build up from the team off of a tip from the USC goalie. Jada Romero finished off the scoring for the Tritons with a great goal with 5 minutes left in the match. UCSD will take on Colorado in their next game at 7PM.

UCSD’s Women's Club Soccer team played against Colorado Gold at the UCSB Women’s Club Soccer Invitational. Coming off of a strong 5-0 win against USC, they started the game with energy and intensity. Both teams fought for every loose ball, possessing most of the first half and taking as many chances as possible early on in the box. Near the end of the first half, Colorado had multiple opportunities off of corners but UCSD’s defense cleared every ball, conceding 0 goals by halftime. In the second half, UCSD came onto the field determined to collect more points and capitalize on their victory. However, shortly after the whistle was blown, both teams were forced to substitute players due to injuries. The game concluded with a tight final 10 minutes, with both teams’ backlines keeping the ball out of the back of the net, and ended with a 0-0 tie. Because UCSD was able to earn another shutout and gain the maximum amount of points for a game, they made it through to the next round. 

The UC San Diego women’s club soccer team pulled away with another win and shutout this weekend in the UC Santa Barbara tournament. After playing in two games the previous night and pulling through to the semi finals, the Tritons were rested and ready to battle it out with the home team themselves, UC Santa Barbara. 

The game early on proved to be an even match, as the UCSB team showcased their strong skills in the first half. Unfazed, the Triton’s met the competition the Gaucho’s brought to the table with their own game ready attitudes. The defensive line gave a strong showing, denying any crosses and shots from in and around the 18 yard line, along with the help of a few well timed slide tackles from third year Savannah Arabe. Freshman goalkeeper Teah Glorie stepped up to bat, making brilliant saves and setting the tone of the game for the Tritons. Finally, as the half drew to a close, midfielder Elayna Osterman slipped a well placed ball into striker Madeline Woo, who fired a shot from outside the 18 and gave the Tritons the lead to finish off the half. 

The second half kicked off with a similar tone to the first as the Tritons were eager to defend their lead and head into the championship game. The midfield was tuned in as Kirtsen Whetstone fought alongside Naomi Araujo to win their 1v1 battles as well as pull off some tricky moves to give our women’s team an advantage in the middle of the park. A combination of aggressive defending and composure on the ball allowed our UCSD girls to hold off UCSB and maintain a shutout through the entire half. The game ended with a dramatic clearance of a corner by senior Lauren Beers and the Tritons rushed the field to celebrate their win against Santa Barbara, a team that has proven to be tough competition for UCSD in the past. The Tritons win against the Gauchos sent them into the finals, where they would battle UCLA to be champions of the tournament. Overall, it was an exciting 1-0  win for the Tritons!

After triumphing over USC, battling to a draw against Colorado University, and securing a decisive victory against UCSB, UCSD fought tenaciously to earn their place in the championship game against UCLA. Despite having played three grueling games in the past 24 hours and feeling soreness, UCSD emerged strong in the championship match against UCLA. 

UCSD did a good job at keeping possession at the start of the game. Defender Savannah Arabe showcased her exceptional skills with multiple perfectly timed slide tackles, effectively halting the UCLA’s offense and preventing them from breaking through UCSD's defense. Kirsten Whetstone and Naomi Araujo exhibited excellent control in the midfield and helped the team stay organized. Unfortunately with about 20 minutes left in the first half, UCLA broke down UCSD’s defense and scored 3 goals. 

Going into the second half UCSD was down 0-3. They came out highly motivated and determined to come back. They worked the ball side to side waiting for an opportunity to attack. Senior. Center backs Allie Spong, Lauren Beers, and Kinsey Brillheart were able to control the defense and successfully contain UCLA’s attack during an intense second half. Senior forward Mia Fava played a pivotal role in leading the attack and effectively organized the team's pressure. UCSD had some opportunities on goal, but could not put one in the back of the net. Despite the unfortunate goals in the first half, freshman goalie Teah Glorie was able to keep a clean slate in the second half and had numerous amazing saves. UCSD fought relentlessly until the final whistle but was unable to stage a comeback and fell short to UCLA 0-3. UCSD looks forward to next week where they play their first home match against SDSU.